The Boys Varsity Soccer Team faced off against East Grand Rapids in the District final on Tuesday night in front of nearly 600 fans at East Grand Rapids Memorial Stadium. The evening was set for drama as mist rolled in under the lights.

The Pioneers stuck first about 30-minutes into the game as an East Grand Rapids forward broke free and placed a composed shot over Eagles Goalkeeper Anton Dershem. After an evenly fought half, the Eagles went into half-time down 0-1. The Eagles came out flying in the 2nd half with junior Nick Cassiday converting a free kick around the Pioneers wall to even the score just minutes into the 2nd half. Just moments later, the Eagles continued their offensive pressure and converted a second goal off of a corner kick as Cassiday served the ball to a charging senior Joey Rauwerda who emphatically headed the ball into the Pioneer's net to take the lead. The pace of the game continue to be high as the Pioneers pressed for an equalizer and the Eagles defense standing strong. With just 1:13 left on the clock, the Pioneers earned a corner kick and played a low driven ball toward the Eagle's front post that found its way just over the goal line along with a pile of Eagle and Pioneer bodies to equalize the match. 

The two 10-minute overtime periods saw both teams working to find an opportunity, but unable to convert, sending the match to penalty kicks. The shootout had to go to the sixth shooter before a save by the Pioneer's goalkeeper ended the Eagles hopes for the night by saving the Eagles' final shot.

The Eagles 2020 season comes to an end with an 11-2-1 record.

As we bring this season to a close, we offer special thanks to seniors Anton Dershem, Jared Zandee, Joey Rauwerda, Matthew Welch, Sam Skillen, Trent Elzinga and Xander Schra for their contributions to the Eagle Soccer program over the last four years. 

Go Eagles!