5/15/2025
FEDERAL WAY, WASH
The Tahoma Bears for the second time in three seasons wins the district championship with a 1-0 win over the Union Titans. The victory pads Tahoma’s undefeated season, upping their record to 18-0-1. Diego Flores scored the lone goal from 35 yards out near the end of the first half. Asher Ghavam recorded the shutout, the 12th of the season for Tahoma.
Union came into the District Championship with a pair of different wins. The Titans blanked the Sumner Spartans in the opening round of Districts with a 2-0 win. In the semifinals, Union crossed the finish line with a wild overtime 5-4 win over Puyallup thanks to an overtime winner from Canaan Moore. For the second time in four years, Union appeared in the District Championship.
Tahoma ventured to the District Championship the way they have played all season. After a 1-0 state clinching win over Curtis, the Bears routed Olympia 6-0 thanks to four goals from Kevin Kershaw. Tahoma allowed a mere seven goals all season, including eleven shutouts coming into Thursday night. The Bears sought for their second straight district title in three seasons under Head Coach Rick Maloy.
Union once again started keeper Jesus Gutierrez while Tahoma relied on junior keeper Asher Ghavam. Tahoma played a game of possession from start to finish. The breakthrough came in first half stoppage time when Diego Flores took a 35 yard shot. Flores’s shot had enough to sail over the head of Union keeper Jesus Gutierrez to put Tahoma in front. Tahoma went to half time with the lead the slimmest of margins.
Tahoma clung to its slim lead the entire second half. Plenty of credit is due to senior captain Zeth Lucero and keeper Asher Ghavam. Their possession provided the runway for Tahoma to hang on for the win.
In the end, the 1-0 victory handed Tahoma their second district championship in three years. The win is Tahoma’s twelve shutout of the season.
Our Thorbeckes Game MVP was Zeth Lucero playing a massive role in helping Tahoma maintain possession in the middle of the field.
To catch the full game broadcast of Tahoma’s district win Click Here (Subscription Required).
Below are interviews with Tahoma’s stars from the win and Head Coach Rick Maloy with highlights from the game.
ESN Interviews Game MVP Zeth Lucero, Keeper Asher Ghavam, and Goal Scorer Diego Flores
ESN Interviews Tahoma Head Coach Rick Maloy
Final Whistle: Tahoma Wins District Championship
Tahoma’s Diego Flores Scores Late in First Half
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