LocalSportsJournal.com
The Orchard View soccer team is two victories away from reaching the Division 3 state finals.
The Cardinals defeated Ogemaw Heights 5-2 on Wednesday at Clare High School in a first round regional matchup. Roger McKenzie led the way, scoring three goals in the big win.
Orchard View, now 17-4-1, moves on to Saturday’s regional final at Clare, ironically against Lakes 8 Conference rival Ludington. Game time is 1 p.m.
Western Michigan Christian, the Lakes 8 conference champion, is a regional finalist in Division 4.
McKenzie found the goal twice in the first half, giving OV a 2-0 halftime lead. The first goal, within the first three minutes of the game, was assisted by Alex Cantu. The second was assisted by Brady Bowen.
The Cardinals went up 4-0 midway through the second half. Darius Williams scored with an assist from Alex Cantu, while Bowen added an unassisted goal.
Ogemaw Heights scored twice later in the half, then McKenzie finished things off with a goal late in the game, with a assist from Maverick Carlisle.
OV had a 9-3 edge in shots. Goalie Landon Tyler got the victory for the Cardinals.
“We had a great start to the night, kept the pressure on them throughout the game and didn’t let them build much of an attack,” said Orchard View Coach Kyle Skodack. “We know we have a tough match versus Ludington on Saturday. They will jump on our mistakes and make us pay for them. So we will have to play a complete game to beat them.
“We played well tonight, but will have to bring it up another level on Saturday.”
