Trojan boys soccer program earns 300th win
Local Sports Journal
LUDINGTON – It was a big night for the Fruitport varsity boys soccer program.
Like, a really big night.
Not only did the Trojans outlast Lakes 8 Conference rival Ludington 4-3 in double overtime to remain undefeated in league play, but with the victory the program earned its 300 game.
Describing it as a classic game in what is always a tight match-up between schools, Fruitport head coach Greg Kobylak said the hard-earned win was just what the doctor ordered.
“This game was a bit stressful but just what the Trojans needed: A win in a close game, coming from behind and over a quality team. This should prove as a spring board toward our ultimate goals.”
Fruitport got on the board first with a Zach Gilson goal mid-way through the first half. Gilson was assisted by Nick Carrier.
But instead of yielding, Ludington answered with three-straight goals. With under 10 minutes left in the first half, Ludington’s Zac Schoon scored the first of his two goals on the night, exploiting a seam between two Trojan defenders before deliviering a scoring shot from about 18 feet out.
The Orioles added abother score before the half to lead 2-1 at the break.
Schoon put Ludington up 3-1 with a penalty-kick goal with just 30 seconds elapsed in the second half.
But 12 minutes later, Fruitport’s Nick Carrier banged home a 45-yard penalty-kick score to cut the lead to 3-2.
“This was a turning point in the momentum,” said Kobylak.
Gilson, assisted by Cameron Brandow, tied things at 3-all with a breakaway goal off his left foot at the 22-minute mark of the second half.
Brandow figured in the game-winning goal, which came four minutes into the second overtime. Kyle Winger took a cross pass from Brandow and sent a head ball past the Ludington defense to make it 4-3.
Ludington nearly tied the score with two seconds left in the match, but the Orioles shot hit the post.
Fruitport held the 17-11 edge in shots-on-goal.
With Ludington out of the way, Kobylak will use the next couple for preparation and rest before the Trojans embark on a stretch of six games in 11 days.
“Amazing feeling of accomplishment and pride after the game today,” said Kobylak.