The Wayland girls’ varsity soccer team finished third in the final O-K Gold Conference standings, behind co-champions South Christian and Middleville Thornapple Kellogg.
Coach Ben Sleeman’s group completed league dual matchs with an 8-4 record Wednesday by edging East Grand Rapids, 2-1.
The rainy and cold Wednesday evening was the final home game for five Wildcat seniors and two foreign exchange students, “and they, along with the help of their teammates, were able to go out on a high note,” Sleeman said.
“A 30-minute delay due to inclement weather pushed the start time of the game back, and the Wildcats didn’t come out ready to play as the Pioneers struck first on an early free kick from just outside the box.”
However, from there it was all Lady Wildcats, as they responded to the adversity and began to work their way into the game, the coach observed. Throughout much of the first half, the girls maintained possession and won seemingly every loose ball battle on the field.
Finally, Mckenna Bruin scored a left-footed volley to the back post and tied the game up for her team. Despite numerous chances after that though, the home team couldn’t quite find a way past the East Grand Rapids keeper and the score would head into halftime tied at a goal apiece.
The second half continued in much the same way, with the Wildcats continuing to apply offensive pressure. Eventually, Amanda Brown found herself open at the top of the box and unleashed a beautiful shot that just sailed under the crossbar for the game-winning goal.
“The game kicked on with the Wildcats pressuring but continuing to be stifled by the Pioneer keeper who was forced to make a few very difficult saves to keep her team within striking distance,” Sleeman said. “In the end, the two goals were all Wayland would need.”
The final home win brings the girls’ overall record to 11-6 overall and makes them 8-4 in the O-K Gold. They will be back in action for their final regular season game Friday when they travel to West Catholic high school. Kickoff at 5 p.m.
PHOTO: The win over East Grand Rapids served as the last home game for seniors and foreign exchange students Emily Gray, Paxton Granger, Ashlyn Schafer, Brinley Nieuwenhuis, Erin Porteous, laria Mori and Jasmine Hochull. (Photo supplied)
