LocalSportsJournal.com
There was a tournament-like atmosphere at Mona Shores for Saturday’s third Annual Hero’s Cup.
The soccer match between the Sailors and their neighbors, Western Michigan Christian, takes place each year to honor Norton Shores’ first responders.
“To honor all first responders, but specifically Norton Shores because we want to do something for them,” said Mona Shores coach Bill Moulatsiotis.
The two teams battled it out in an intense game that saw the Warriors come out on top with a 4-2 win over Mona Shores.
“It always is, every time,” said Moulatsiotis about the high intensity the match brought between the two Norton Shores based schools. “That’s why we like to schedule with them, they’re a fantastic team, back-to-back defending state champions.”
A packed house at Mona Shores saw the Warriors respond first, tallying a goal three minutes in by Tekalegn Vlasma. Carter Heimiller assisted on the play.
The lead was short lived as Mona Shores’ Colin Rourke found the back of the net a minute later for a 1-1 tie.
WMC offense continued to push Mona Shores and with 13 minutes left in the first half, the Warriors relieved that pressure with a Braedon Hoffman penalty kick goal.
“They were making great passes through, maybe a fantastic performance for us was the back line and just dealing with that,” said Moulatsiotis.
The Sailors defense had to withstand an aggressive WMC squad and did so on the backs of Jarrett Merrill and Chase Coburn. Goalie Parker Rose also came through with saves to keep the Warriors at bay.
“We’ve really been putting our focus on starting a little faster than we have earlier in the season,” said WMC coach Ben Buursma. “The longer we let someone hang around, the tougher it is to get those killer goals.”
Leading 2-1 to start the second half, the No. 10-ranked WMC squad continued to push its offense onto the Sailors’ side of the field. That drive led to another Vlasma goal six minutes into the second 40 minutes of play. Tyson Annema set up the play for Vlasma, who one-timed the shot from just inside the 18.
With momentum swinging its way, WMC put in its fourth goal less than a minute later. This time Annema scored, his first of the game.
Trailing 4-1 was not the position Mona Shores wanted to be and was able to score on a Benen McKnight shot that made the score 4-2.
The Warriors were able to manage the Sailors the rest of the way and continued to have solid opportunities on goal.
The combo of Cole DeJonge feeding Vlasma and the rest of the Warriors offense led to a lot of opportunities for the Warriors.
WMC outshot Mona Shores 11-5 as goalie Dan Minasian posted the win.
“This game is fantastic for both of us, and all credit to Bill because he’s the one who came up with the idea,” said Buursma. “It’s a great cause to honor the first responders of Norton Shores and it is a fun environment.”