LocalSportsJournal.com
LUDINGTON — The Ludington boys soccer team used a quick lead to shut out Oakridge, 5-0, in a West Michigan Conference game Wednesday night.
Playing on the friendly confines of Oriole Field, the Orioles rocked the Eagles back on their heels when they knocked in four goals on their first four shots.
And in the first six minutes of the game.
The Eagles weren’t able to recover and spent the rest of the game fruitlessly trying to create chances against a Ludington defense that showed no weaknesses.
Spencer Holmes and Parker Wendt produced the first four goals and the Orioles finished the first half with a 4-0 lead.
“We established control right away, and took quality shots,” said Ludington coach Kris Anderson. “Spencer and Parker ended up kind of behind their back line and they placed shots in spots where the keeper couldn’t get them. They were quality placed finishes, and when you score four goals on your first four shots in the first six minutes of the game, it definitely takes a lot of pressure off the rest of the game.
“It puts you in control of the game, which is where you want to be. You want to be playing from the lead. We knew coming in that Oakridge was right behind us, they had only one loss in conference.”
Aidan Malburg had the final Ludington goal in the second half.
Assists went to Ultan Ryan, Ryan Kandalec, Yebe Boerema and Kyle Stidham.
Gabe Gamez and Caleb Sheldon combined on the shutout, with Sheldon finishing with eight saves on eight shots.
Ludington (10-4, 5-1 WMC) travels to Fremont next Monday for another conference contest.
Oakridge (7-5-1, 4-2-1 WMC) hosts Montague in a conference matchup next Monday.
