LocalSportsJournal.com
FRUITPORT — Fruitport had a successful day in its own invitational Saturday, defeating Shelby 3-0 and Ludington 2-1 in boys’ soccer.
In the first game against the Tigers, Fruitport jumped out to an early lead as Jax Flynn scored off a Braylon Marshall assist.
Marshall wasn’t done, as he converted a free kick early in the second half to extend the lead to 2-0.
Ryder Merkins capped off the scoring with a header on a Marshall assist.
Logan Werschem posted the shutout in net, recording two saves for the Trojans.
Fruitport turned it on in the second half following a sluggish start to defeat Ludington 2-1 in the second game.
The Orioles took the lead early in the second half on a goal by Aiden Malburg from Ultan Ryan, but the Trojans quickly responded behind two Ryder Merkins’ goals. Taylen Acocks and Brady Brown were credited with assists for the Trojans.
Werschem had a strong game in net with 10 saves.
Orioles’ goalie Gabe Gomez finished with nine saves on 11 shots.
“Braxton Ward, Sam Krueger, Brady Brown, and Isaiah Packard had great performances on the defensive backline,” said Fruitport Coach Hazekamp. “Grade Anspach and Davis Johnson gave great efforts in the midfield.”
Ludington went 1-1 on Saturday at the Fruitport Invitational.
In the first game, Ludington defeated Gaylord 4-1. Scoring goals for Ludington were Ultan Ryan and Parker Wendt with two goals each.
Yebe Boerema contributed two assists, while Alex Smith and Spencer Holmes had one apiece.
Ludington outshot Gaylord 25-10. Orioles’ goalie Gabe Gamez had five saves on six shots, and Caleb Sheldon had two saves on two shots.
Fruitport improves to 3-0 on the season. The Trojans return to action on Monday against West Michigan Aviation Academy.
Ludington is 1-2 on the season and next travels to Cadillac on Tuesday for another non-conference game.
