Fruitport soccer team splits a pair of games at Portage tournament; Reeths-Puffer loses two

Local Sports Journal

Noah Hendricks scored the only goal of the game in the first half, giving the Fruitport soccer team a 1-0 victory over Kalamazoo Central Saturday in the Justin Bailey Memorial Shootout at the Portage Soccer Complex.

Reeths-Puffer also competed in the event, dropping 4-0 decisions to both Battle Creek Lakeview and Portage Central.

Hendricks’ goal came from close range and hit a goalpost before bouncing in. Zach Shane had the assist for Fruitport. Goalkeeper Conner Deneen stopped nine shots for the Trojans while Alec Parker and Lucas Leslie stood out defensively.

The Trojans lost their second game of the tournament, 3-1 to Portage Northern.

The contest was scoreless at halftime, then Portage Northern jumped ahead with a pair of goals. Cameron Brandow had the lone goal for Fruitport, pulling the Trojans within one, with Bryan Rebone assisting. Portage Northern sealed the victory with a late goal on a free kick.