Bethel Ndugba Sends Fife Back to State with OT Winner

5/17/2025

LAKEWOOD, WASH

It took 17 seconds into overtime for Bethel Ndugba to send Fife to the state tournament in a 2-1 result over Sequim. The victory for Sean Davis’s side marks the tenth straight appearance in state for the Trojans of Fife.

Fife came into the consolation final after a 2-1 to North Kitsap. Sequim blanked Bremerton 2-0 to reach the consolation final. The winner of the match punched their ticket to state, the loser’s season would come to an end. Sequim was vying for their first trip to state in three years. Fife put their nine year streak in State on the line on Saturday afternoon.

The match witnessed an incredible exhibit of goalkeeping from Sequim’s Nolan Valenzuela. With Sequim in a mindset of defending, it was up to the senior keeper to keep the Wolves in the game. Sequim made the most of their chances in the 24th minute. A mishap from Fife keeper Matty Kalinowski led to a quick corner taken by Sequim. After a quick short corner from Sequim, the Wolves were awarded a penalty after a tackle in the box. Josh Alcaraz buried the penalty to put Sequim in front 1-0. Alcaraz’s marked was the only scoring in the first half.

Half number two held the answer to ultimate of whether Sequim could hold to their lead at the slimmest of margins. The answer became realized when Hayden Wilbur’s shot careened off Sequim keeper Valenzuela to Robert Carlos, who buried the tying goal in the 48th minute. After 80 minutes of play, overtime was needed to decide the winner. One team’s season would continue. Another’s season would meet a screeching end.

Off the first kick of overtime, Fife quickly gained possession. Kai Yinger chipped a pass for Hayden Wilbur, who found Bethel Ndugba. 17 seconds after overtime began Ndugba’s dribbling shot found the back of the net. Fife booked their ticket to state, while a valiant effort from Sequim fell short.

Our Thorbeckes Game MVP was Bethel Ndugba with the winning goal. To catch the full game broadcast Click Here (Subscription Required).

Below is our interview with the overtime winning goal scorer Bethel Ndugba including highlights from the game.

ESN Interviews Bethel Ndugba