Middleville Thornapple Kellogg defeated Wayland’s soccer team 3-1 Thursday evening at the Trojans’ field.
The two teams battled to a scoreless tie in the first half.
“The game started off with the Wildcat defense holding strong and not allowing the pressure of the Trojans’ offense to break their back line,” said coach Ben Sleeman. “After the first 15 minutes, the Wildcats found their legs and were able to supply some more attacking play and the half ended in a 0-0 draw.”
But Middleville found the back of the net first in the 34th minute, only four minutes into the second half. Following the go-ahead-goal, Lady Wildcat Brinley Nieuwenhuis wasted no time as she took the ball from the kickoff, beat three Trojan defenders, and fired a rocket from 25 yards out to score a beautiful equalizer.
The two sides traded chances for the next few minutes, but it was the Trojans who were able to score twice more in quick succession to put the game out of reach with 10 minutes remaining.
“Despite twice more testing the TK keeper late in the game, the Wildcats just couldn’t find their way past the stingy Trojan backs,” Sleeman added.
Rachel Wienclaw made 11 saves facing 14 shots in the loss.
The loss brings Wayland’s record to 1-2 (1-1 in the O-K Gold). The ‘Cats host South Christian Monday with kickoff at 6 p.m.
