Newaygo Soccer still undefeated Story and photos by Tara Hefferan It was the best of times and the worst of times, to channel Charles Dickens. When it comes to Newaygo Lions soccer, the best came in the 8-0 mercy win over the Muskegon Reds. The worst owed to the blustery, 30-degree snowy weather that seemed to flash freeze players and fans alike. Even though many local sports teams canceled games and practices, soccer went forward on Monday, April 17, with the Lions playing host to the visiting Reds. The night was marked by several “firsts” for the Newaygo Lions, beginning with a new announcement system. While Newaygo football, basketball, and baseball teams long have had announcers introduce their games, Newaygo Girls Soccer welcomed their first announced event. The National Anthem kicked off the evening, followed by announced roster calls for both teams. Several other firsts characterized the night. With much fanfare, less than two minutes into the match, senior center midfielder Lynnea Briones scored the first goal of her high school career, with Landry Hefferan Nordlund earning her first career assist from a drop ball to Briones. Briones said the goal “felt good and long overdue.” Immediately after, freshman Hefferan Nordlund scored her own first goal off a post ricochet from a Grace Painter shot attempt. The goal was “exciting” said Hefferan Nordlund. With two starting players unavailable for tonight’s match, a number of players rotated into new positions. Sofia Briggs, typically a central defender, found herself in the midfield, passing balls forward to the front line and herself making several attacks against goal. Briggs earned the first assist of her high school career tonight. Midfielder Aby Lauryssens also earned a first assist of the season. In addition to the goals just mentioned, other first half goals were scored by:
The Lions entered halftime with a 7-0 lead. The match ended almost twelve minutes into the second half, when McCaiden Rienstra sent a ball to Grace Painter, who scored the 8th and final goal to complete the mercy win. Said Coach Matt Painter, “Tonight we were able to get all the girls some good minutes, and each was able to contribute in their own way to the win. It was fun to see the team rally around a couple girls who scored their first goals! We are now looking forward to an important conference game on Wednesday!”
That game will be at home on Wednesday, April 19 at 5:30 pm against Howard City Tri County. The Lions currently stand at 3 wins, 0 losses, and 1 tie.
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