Local Sports Journal

The Western Michigan Christian soccer team continued its airtight defensive play Saturday with a 3-0 victory over Grand Rapids Wellspring Prep in a Division 4 district championship game in Grand Rapids.

The Warriors have yet to give up a goal in three tournament games. Goalie Michael Merz has collected all three shutouts.

Western Michigan Christian, a traditional soccer power, won its first district title in three years. The Warriors advance to regional play on Wednesday at Muskegon Catholic against the winner of the Harbor Springs-Charlevoix district title game.

Ben Mast scored the first of his two goals on a direct kick from just outside the penalty box 10 minutes into the contest, giving WMC a 1-0 lead.

Dylan Mines gave WMC a 2-0 lead with a goal midway through the second half. Mines found the corner of the net after he stole the ball as Wellspring’s defense tried to clear.

Mast’s final goal sealed the win for the Warriors. WMC outshot Wellsprings 15-3.

“We really did a good job attacking them,” said WMC Coach David Hulings. “They had some really tough guys that could go one-on-one. Our plan was to not let their forwards get the ball.”

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