By Dave Hart
LocalSportsJournal.com

MUSKEGON TOWNSHIP – The Muskegon Catholic girls soccer squad is currently in the driver’s seat to win the Lakes 8 Conference title.

And the Crusaders have their sights set even higher, after making the state semifinals last year.

But they still have some improving to do if they hope to accomplish their lofty goals, according to Crusader Coach Art Dorsey.

Muskegon Catholic improved its record to 4-0 in Lakes 8 play after defeating host Orchard View 2-0 on Tuesday.

Despite the victory, Coach Dorsey wasn’t entirely thrilled with his team’s performance.

Payton Helton chases the ball against OV’s Maranda Baker. Photo/Kristine Tyler

“We seem to play how our opponents play against us,” Dorsey said. “We are a very good team that was in the state semis last year, and we returned everybody but a couple girls and added some upper-end players.

“I feel like we should be a lot better than we are. I think we show up to games thinking that we will just get by. The team needs to understand we have our work cut out for us.”

Muskegon Catholic controlled the ball in the Cardinal zone for most of the contest, and didn’t allow a solid scoring chance all game.

The Crusaders got on the board with goal on a penalty shot by freshman Emily Olsen with 3:49 left in the first half.

“Emily is a very good player,” Dorsey said.. “She is working on adjusting to the physical play in high school soccer.”

MCC led 1-0 at the half.

The Crusaders increased their lead six minutes into the second half with a goal from Caitlyn Fodrocy.

MCC continued to dominate ball possession, especially with an extra attacker after a red card was given to a Cardinal player 13 minutes into the second half.

Despite having a 10-9 attacker advantage for so long, the Crusaders failed to add to their two-goal lead.

“I thought we played tough, especially when we had a man down,” said OV Coach Burt Wachter. “Catholic is a good team that is well coached with a lot of offensive weapons. They out-possessed us and had a lot of shots on goal.”

Orchard View is now 2-5-2 on the season.