Local Sports Journal
The Oakridge Eagles and the Western Michigan Christian Warrior girls soccer teams raised more than $4,100 for The Parent Project MD, a group that brings attention to Duchenne’s Multiple Dystrophy.
It was all part of the Kickin’ for Mitchell Soccer Tournament at Forest Hills Northern High School on Saturday. Oakridge raised more than $2,100 and WMC raised more than $2,000.
The Eagles also added a new team captain to their squad, Oakridge third grader Jesse Julian, who has been diagnosed with Duchenne MD.
In the Eagles’ first game, they dropped a 3-0 decision to Forest Hills Northern, which scored its three goals in the first half.
“We really struggled to find our identity in the first game,” Oakridge coach Jeff Lohman said. “We struggled keeping our defensive shape because of FHN’s quick passing and runs off the ball. That game showed us a few of our weaknesses that need to be fixed by the girls if we plan to have success in the conference and state tournaments coming up. Forest Hills Northern did everything that we have asked our girls to do all season and they did it well.”
The Eagles lost 2-1 to Coopersville in the second game, thanks to a couple of defensive miscues that led to both goals. Beka Shepherd scored the Eagles’ goal on a direct kick late in the second half.
Immediately after the Coopersville game, the Eagles regrouped and defeated WMC 2-0.
“We changed up our system a bit due to injuries and trying to preserve our girls for the Monday game vs. Hart,” Lohman said. “We were able to eliminate WMC’s scoring threat, which is a big threat as I feel that they have one of the best goal scorers in the Muskegon area with Alexys Riksen.
Keyara Wiard scored in the first half with assistance from Shepherd and Brandy Weaver scored in the second half with an assist from Ashley Weaver.
