Dave Hart
Local Sports Journal

NORTH MUSKEGON – It’s no secret that the team that gains the momentum towards the end of a game usually comes out on top.

In OK Black conference boy’s soccer action Tuesday night, Reeths-Puffer’s change in momentum helped the Rockets defeat Zeeland East 2-1.

Reeths-Puffer captain Alex Mavis sends a pass to the front of the net during Thursday's action. Photo/Jason Goorman

Reeths-Puffer captain Alex Mavis sends a pass to the front of the net during Thursday’s action. Photo/Jason Goorman

Both teams ended last season in the middle of the pack in the OK Black.  Each team earned a victory in the season series last year with the home team winning both games.

The Chix (3-5, 0-1 in OK Black) controlled the possession of the ball throughout most of the first half.  The early dominance resulted in an early goal as Gaston Aubert connected from 30 yard out to give the Chix the lead six minutes into the game.

The Rockets (2-3-2, 1-0 in OK Black) showed life both late in the first half and early in the second half, lead by junior Noah Sorn.

Chix goal keeper Tyler Waterway, who stopped five of seven shots on goal, looked like he was not going to let the ball get behind.  The Rockets could have threw in the towel as they remained scoreless late in the game.

“We had a lot of role players who gave everything they have which made the energy level high.” said Rockets coach Keith Knapp. 

The high energy paid off for the Rockets with a Sorn goal to tie the game in the 66th minute.

The change in momentum would remain with the Rockets as senior Noah Cramer scored nine minutes later, in the 75th minute. The Rockets did not relinquish the lead and held the Chix to one shot on goal in the second half.

The Chix were outshot seven to five on goal.

Reeths-Puffer's Collin McFalls dribbles through a sea of Zeeland East players during the Rockets' 2-1 OK Black win on Tuesday. Photo/Jason Goorman

Reeths-Puffer’s Collin McFalls dribbles through a sea of Zeeland East players during the Rockets’ 2-1 OK Black win on Tuesday. Photo/Jason Goorman

“This was a good even game,” said Chix coach Todd Kamstra. “We were kinda thin tonight in subs. Our guys worked hard, but Puffer played well.”

Knapp was pleased with the victory, but remains focused on improving to contend for the OK Black title.

“Mona Shores and Grand Rapids are the teams that will dictate where we finish up in the end,” he said.

The Rockets will get a chance to see where they belong in the conference race on Thursday when they travel to Grand Rapids Union.