Local Sports Journal
There’s nothing like a quality win to get a soccer team ready for the state tournament.
Fruitport put together that quality win on a rainy Thursday night by defeating Western Michigan Christian 3-1.
“We are playing the best soccer of the season at the perfect time,” Fruitport coach Greg Kobylak said. “It is satisfying to be peaking at the end of the year and ready to make a run in the MHSAA tournament.”
Fruitport (11-7-2) took a 1-0 lead at halftime, thanks to a goal by Dalton Mullennix after a scramble in the box.
The Warriors (10-7-1) tied the game early in the second half on a goal by Chaise Schuiteman with an assist by Ben Mast.
But 45 seconds later, Taylor McLaughlin scored off a corner kick to give the Trojans back the momentum and a 2-1 lead.
“Fruitport played really well,” WMC coach Dave Hulings said. “Their scoring after our goal showed their passion to win the game. We just seem to lack that passion.”
Colin Sparks capped the scoring for the Trojans after beating a defender and putting the ball in the back of the net from 20 yards out.
Fruitport had an 8-5 advantage in shots, with Loghan Stong making four saves for Fruitport.
The district tournaments start on Monday.
“Both teams moved the ball with skill and speed under difficult conditions,” Kobylak said. “It was a perfect game for both teams as they get ready for districts.”
