LocalSportsJournal.com

The Reeths-Puffer soccer team dropped a heartbreaker in the first round of the Division 2 regionals on Wednesday, falling 1-0 to Byron Center at Grand Rapids Christian High School.

The game was scoreless at halftime, then Byron Center’s Andrew Dykstra scored from close range about 10 minutes into the second half to break the tie for good.

Reeths-Puffer goalie DaMario Chapman turning in a strong performance, making 13 saves. The Rockets struggled to mount an attack, managing only five shots on goal.

“We knew their defense was very organized,” said Reeths-Puffer Coach Keith Knapp. “They play six guys in back, and it’s difficult to break through. We made a few tactical adjustments to try to go around them, and got a few opportunities later in the game.”

The Rockets ended the season with an 11-9-2 record. They finished fourth in the O-K Black Conference in the regular season, but upset Spring Lake last weekend to win a Division 3 district championship.

“From a program perspective, we’re making progress,” said Knapp, whose team has won three district titles in recent years, despite never going in as the favorite. “This is our third time getting to regionals, and our best performance in regionals so far, so we’re making progress.”