The Varsity Eagles opened their 2021 campaign Saturday evening under the lights of Eagle Stadium against Grand Rapids Catholic Central (Cougars). The Eagles showed some first match nerves in the opening minutes of the game as the Cougars pressed high against the Eagles defenders in an attempt to force a mistake. The Eagles defense stayed stout, however, allowing the Eagles attack to settle into the pace of the game. The Eagles broke through and scored with less than 10-minutes to go in the first half as a Cougar defender blocked a Nick Cassiday shot, but Junior Ian Velzen-Haner was in the right spot to cooly tuck it into the net for the 1-0 lead. 

The Eagles continued to assert themselves in the 2nd half with possession that broke through the Cougars defense. A quick outlet pass from Junior Ethan Lenters to Hans Pruis on the wing started a break. Pruis found fellow senior Grant Hassenrik on a cross - who laid the ball back to Cassiday for a shot from distance that resulted in the 2nd goal for the Eagles. Just minutes later, Cassiday beat a defender around the outside and found Senior Ben Klein who neatly tucked in the 3rd goal of the night for the Eagles. 

The Eagles continued to move the ball and create scoring opportunities throughout the final 30-minutes of the match, but couldn't find the back of the net, ending the match with a 3-0 scoreline for the home Eagles.

The 1-0 Eagles travel to face off against South Christian on Wednesday night at 6:45 pm.

Click here for video highlights of the match.