Title game Friday features rematch of conference co-champs Story and photos by Tara Hefferan Newaygo Lions soccer is moving on to the CSAA Championships following a 3-1 win over Tri County on Wednesday night. Playing at home, the Lions began the match a bit sluggish, giving up an early goal that was called back for being offside. The tone had been set, though, putting the Lions on notice that the Vikings were in town to play. The Vikings were speedy and aggressive, and Lion Keeper Barbara Toth stopped another three shots before Newaygo fully found its stride. With just seven minutes left in the half, the Lions finally got on the board, when Grace Painter sent a cross into Jaxi Long, who blasted the ball into the upper right corner of the net. The score was 1-0. The Lions had four more solid chances before halftime. Tri County also was working to generate chances, and it looked like they might have a possibility to equalize after a Viking player broke away up field. But, the advance was stopped by Bella Welch and Sofia Briggs before a shot could be fired. After halftime, Newaygo took to the field strong, dominating possession with four early shots on goal. The pressure finally bore fruit, when Laura Haavisto found the back of the net, after chain passing from Painter to Connelly Hefferan Nordlund to Haavisto. The score was now 2-0 with 24 minutes left in the match. In the 22nd minute, Tri County got on the board with a short-distance shot in front of the Lion net. The Lions answered the challenge quickly, as Hefferan Nordlund found Long, who located the back of the net a second time. The score was now 3-1. With thirteen minutes remaining, the Vikings made space to rocket another shot toward goal. It rebounded off the cross bar, but a Viking player immediately sent it back toward the net. Defender Welch was well positioned, however, making an impressive goal line save, her second of the season. The Vikings scoring chance was denied. As the second half came to a close, the Vikings continued to pressure the Lions, once again bringing the ball toward goal. Madi Couch stopped the attack, sending the ball out for a Viking corner kick. The Vikings put a shot on target from the left, but Keeper Toth stopped it. The Lions had three more strong attempts on goal before the game ended with a 3-1 final score. In post-game analysis, Captain Sofia Briggs said, “We started off the game a little rocky, and we were a little slow. Eventually, we found our touch.” Captain Grace Painter continued “And then we were able to pass better and work as a team, and that led to our shots. It wasn’t a single player but a team effort.”
The Lions will play again on Friday against Big Rapids, with whom they tied for first place in the CSAA regular season. Details on the time and place will be available soon.
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