Local Sports Journal
The Muskegon Community College men’s soccer team posted a monumental victory on Sunday afternoon.
And it came in dramatic fashion as Michael Schmitt scored a goal with 5 seconds remaining in the game and the Jayhawks celebrated a 2-1 victory over nationally-ranked Cincinnati State Tech and Community College. The game was played at Reeths-Puffer High School.
Michael Schmitt
“It was our first win over a ranked opponent ever,” Jayhawk coach Ben Ritsema said. “They beat us twice last year in overtime.”
Sunday’s game appeared headed for overtime until some last-second dramatics.
Cincinnati Tech was pressing the issue until defender Cam Rogers cleared the ball out to teammate Kody Harrell.
“Harrell found Greg Sischo and he got the ball to Schmitt,” Ritsema said. “He carried it about 15 yards and beat the goal on the near post.
“It was a great pass from Greg to find Michael right in stride,” said Ritsema, whose team is 5-1 overall, 4-0 in Region12 and 1-0 in the conference.
Ritsema also pointed out his group of defenders, all of whom played the entire game. Rogers, who plays left defense, Dylan Darga and Fredi Lopez in the middle and Ron Fisk at right defender played all 90 minutes. Goalkeeper Tyler Lane made seven saves.
Drew Maus
“For them to play the way they did was great and Tyler Lane in goal was real solid,” Ritsema said. “I’ve got to give those guys a big thumbs up.”
After a scoreless first half, MCC had a chance to take the lead, but missed on a penalty kick. But two minutes later, Drew Maus took it upon himself to get his team a goal.
“He carried it about 20 yards and no one came at him,” Ritsema said. “He rifled one in the upper right corner from about 27 yards out. They just kept backing up and he has a really good shot so he just let it go.”
Cincinnati State tied it a short time later on a penalty kick after a Jayhawk handball in the penalty box.
The Jayhawks return to action at 4 p.m. Wednesday when they host the Cornerstone University JV team.
