Hungry Lions Pounce on Cardinals

4/27/2023

All eyes are on goal, as Big Rapids sends in a corner kick

Defense never rests for Newaygo

Story and photos by Tara Hefferan

It was a rematch more than a year in the making, as Newaygo Lions Soccer faced the Big Rapids Cardinals at home Wednesday night. After nearly a decade of losses to the Cardinals, the Lions sensed a change was afoot last season when they played two competitive matches, one to a tie and another to a 1-0 loss. The win finally came tonight, in a physical match up that saw the Lions playing with equal parts skill, determination, and passion.

From the opening whistle, the Lions went toe to toe with the Cardinals. The momentum shifted in their favor five minutes in, when centerback Sofia Briggs made a line splitting pass to forward Grace Painter. Painter used speed to put herself in a one v. one with the Cardinals keeper, powering the ball into the side panel to give the Lions the lead, 1-0.

Grace Painter jockeys for position

Over the next 75 minutes, the Lions strategically pursued some possession play with offensive pressure, but mostly assumed a defensive posture. Lions keeper Barbara Toth found herself put to work for the first time this season, facing sixteen shots total, with ten on goal. While most shots were easily scooped up, Toth had several noteworthy saves, including a rocket aimed at the top left corner that she expertly tipped over the net to preserve the Lions fragile lead.

Goal keeper Barbara Toth earns her fifth clean sheet

Natalie Richardson clears the ball

Indeed, the entire defensive line of McCaiden Rienstra, Natalie Richardson, Rachel Larsen, and Briggs were focused on slowing the Cardinal’s attack. They were supported by the midfield, playing deeper than usual, as Belen Torres and Aby Laurrysens patrolled the wings, and Connelly Hefferan Nordlund, Lynnea Briones, and Painter cleaned up the middle. Even strikers Landry Hefferan Nordlund and Luella Hilden found themselves working more to disrupt plays at the midfield rather than make runs deep into the Cardinal’s territory. In the end, Newaygo had six shots total, with three on goal and one in goal. The match ended in a 1-0 win for the Lions.

Belen Torres goes shoulder to shoulder in a fight for possession

Lynnea Briones keeps the ball alive

Commenting on tonight’s game, Coach Matt Painter said, “Last year we battled Big Rapids twice: tying the first 1-1 and losing 0-1 the second time. Our returning girls have been looking forward to this game all season. The girls executed a full 80 minutes of excellent teamwork. In the first half, we moved the ball well and generated good offensive pressure which resulted in the sole goal of the game. In the second half, we decided to move to a defensive formation, and our girls responded by thwarting each Big Rapids’ attack. It was an aggressive game, and our girls matched that physicality with grit, determination, and poise. I am so proud of each one of our girls and am excited to watch as they continue to grow as a team!”

Aby Lauryssens avoids the Cardinal steal

The Lions’ record now stands at 6 wins, 0 losses, and 1 tie. In conference play they are 3-0 and tied for first place with Tri County. They play next on the road in Whitehall this Saturday, April 29 at 1:00 PM.