By Jason Goorman
LocalSportsJournal.com
Sometimes a windy day in soccer can benefit either team, depending on which way the wind blows.
On Monday it was only blowing in Western Michigan Christian’s favor.
The Warriors began their latest quest for state soccer glory with a 5-0 victory over Hart in the first round on the Division 4 district tournament at WMC.
WMC’s No. 9 Tyler VanBeek finds the far corner to give the Warriors a 1-0 first half lead. Photo/Randy Riksen
The Warriors, now 13-5-1, advance to Wednesday’s semifinals against Fruitport Calvary Christian on their home field at 6:45 p.m.
Despite the easy victory, WMC Coach Dave Hulings was not impressed with his team’s performance.
“Usually what happens when you play a team that is struggling a little bit, you quit hustling and quit playing to the ball,” Hulings said. “Hopefully we can pick that up.”
WMC turned in a strong defensive performance, preventing Hart from having a single shot on goal in the contest. The Warriors had 11 shots on goal.
Dylan Mines paced the offense by notching a three-goal hat trick for the Warriors, who made it all the way to the state semifinals last year before bowing out of the tournament.
No. 4 Owen Alfree looks to control the ball against Hart’s No. 4 Michael Sosnowski. Photo/Randy Riksen
WMC led 2-0 by halftime on an opening goal by Tyler VanBeek and another by Mines.
Tommy TenCate and James Sytsema both posted assists on goals from Mines in the second half for the Warriors.
Adding a late goal for WMC was Chandler Breit on an assist from Evan Fles.
“Finally in the last 15-20 minutes I felt like we had some really great attacks,” Hulings said. “We were finally connecting and playing one and two touch soccer, so I was real pleased with that.”
