LocalSportsJournal.com
 
HART – The Hart boys’ soccer had not beaten Shelby since 2017, but the Pirates changed all that on Thursday night.
 
In a Division 3 opening-round game, the Pirates blanked the Tigers 1-0 to move into next week’s district semifinal game.
 
The Pirates’ lone goal came from a cut back cross by senior Tyler Larios-Mendez to junior Adrian Belmares, who finished at the back post.
 
From there, it was the Pirates dictating possession and controlling the tempo of the game.
 
Hart had a couple of scary moments, but for the most part, kept the Tiger’s away from their net.
 
The defense of Carter Ramseyer, Joe Osorio, Adrial Belmares, Larios, and Adrian Belmares kept the Tigers to just one shot on target which keeper Miguel Escamila saved.
 
The midfield of Adrian Belmares, Adan Cruz, Emmanuel Ortega and Rivaldo Gonzalez played a strong passing game and helped the Pirates keep control of the game.
 
Wingbacks Chase Lorenz, Logan Dean, and JJ Bizon were solid in defending when necessary and provided outlets out wide and service into the forwards.
 
Cris Santiago and Kevin Hernandez provided valuable minutes off the bench.
 
The Pirates take on No. 10-ranked Elk Rapids in Manistee, Tuesday at 7 p.m.