Mason Haynes' Stoppage Winner Stuns Cascade Christian

4/9/2025

(Sumner, WA)

In a match that lived up to the billing, Mason Haynes scored the winning goal in the closing seconds of stoppage time to hand Vashon Island a 3-2 win over Cascade Christian.

Lewis Thompson tallied a brace for Vashon Island with goals coming six minutes apart, while Cascade Christian saw goals from Zeke Gopaul and Kyle Hughes.

The match was dubbed match that saw Nisqually League powerhouse Vashon Island, a team well used to postseason success, against a Cascade Christian team that several years ago had back to back winless seasons. The Pirates of Vashon had won the last 12 meetings against Cascade Christian. After both teams made state last season, the anticipation rose for what was shaping to be a titanic match.

Cascade Christian controlled possession in the early stages. Play primarily was on the Cougars’ attacking half. It was not until the 37th minute the first breakthrough unfolded. Lewis Thompson reeled in a pass along right wing and buried a goal by Cascade Christian goalkeeper Taylor Yeh. Vashon led 1-0 at the break.

The second half began right where it left off. Zeke Gopaul buried a shot top shelf on Vashon keeper Jeff Nelson a minute into the second half to level the match. Vashon quickly countered two minutes later. Lewis Thompson sprung open on a breakaway and beat Taylor Yeh short side. Vashon in the blink of an eye recaptured the lead.

Kyle Hughes in the 60th minute countered for Cascade Christian to tie the match again.

In stoppage time, when the certainty of a draw seemed all but a forgone conclusion, Vashon turned to their superstar standby for the knockout. Sophomore Mason Haynes barreled right wing, and slid a shot on an acute angle and into the net. Vashon Island snatched victory from the claws of a draw in thrilling fashion.

Our Thorbeckes Player of the Match was Lewis Thompson with goals in the 37th and 43rd minute for Vashon Island. Goalkeeper Ozzie Tanner; who replaced Jeff Nelson after Cascade Christian’s second goal earned credit for the win.

Cascade Christian with the loss drops to 3-1 while Vashon heads to 4-0-2 on the young season. Cascade Christian hosts Chimacum on Thursday at 7pm. Vashon Island hosts Seattle Christian on Thursday at 4:30pm. Vashon Island’s schedule includes a big match against defending 1A State Champion next Wednesday the 16th.

To catch the full match replay, Click Here (Subscription Required)

Included below is our interview with Thorbeckes MVP Lewis Thompson and Mason Haynes followed by highlights from the match.

ESN Interviews Lewis Thompson and Mason Haynes