KILL DEVIL HILLS — The Washington soccer team saw its 19-game win streak come to an end in the quarterfinals of the state tournament Saturday evening, as undefeated First Flight walked away with a 3-1 win.

“We knew what we were getting — a solid squad. It is what it is,” said head coach Jim Kozuch. “We played toughed.”

Through the first half hour of play, the Nighthawks and Pam Pack exchanged possessions and matched each other offensively with a handful of scoring opportunities.

But 34 minutes in, First Flight capitalized on a free kick from the 40-yard line. The ball bounced once in the box and junior striker Graham Smalley was able to head it past goalie William Tate, giving the Nighthawks a 1-0 lead at the half.

The midfield, which has been a primary area of concern for Kozuch in previous matches, continued to maintain possession and frustrate the opposing attack.

“Lupe, Eric and Miguel fought hard the whole time and did everything they possibly could,” Kozuch said. “The midfield did a good job. They were going against a midfield that was probably the best in the state. They did everything they could and applied a lot of pressure.”

Minutes into the second half, the First Flight midfield dropped a pass back to the defense, where it was coughed up. Forward Sergio Higuera picked the defender’s pocked and fired a shot from just outside the box into the upper right corner, knotting the game at one.

But a foul just outside Washington’s box gave First Flight the opportunity to reclaim the lead. And Ricky Sanchez would come through, firing a perfectly placed free kick past Tate.

In the waning minutes, the Pam Pack pushed its midfield up to try to even the match. However, Jay Cueva iced the game with the Nighthawks’ third goal.

With the loss, Washington finishes the season 20-5-1, as First Flight advances to the semifinals, where it will face Carrboro.