The Boys Varsity Soccer Team faced off against Forest Hills Central with a District title on the line Thursday night at East Grand Rapids' Mehney Field. The wet conditions made and the familiarity between the two sides set this up to be an exciting match. 

The Eagles weathered the storm, literally and figuratively, in the opening 15-minutes of the match as the Rangers showed their attacking prowess, forcing the Eagles to play some desperate defense and rely on senior goalkeeper, Christian Dershem to come up with a few big saves. The Eagles slowly worked themselves into the game, finding more possession and build into their attack, generating some good shots that tested the Ranger's goalkeeper throughout the second part of the first half. The Eagles had a goal kick with 30-seconds remaining in the half and the score knotted at 0-0. Dershem played the ball short to senior Carter Goodyke who found a long pass into the attacking half of the field. Senior Jackson Mindling received the ball outside the Rangers penalty area as the PA announcer was counting down the final 10-seconds. Mindling shook off two defenders and fired a left-footed shot just out of the reach of the goalkeeper and inside the post with 1-second left on the clock to give the Eagles a 1-0 lead just before the half. 

The Eagles came into the second half with momentum on their side and continued to build on this just six minutes into the half as Mindling was able to outpace two Ranger defenders to a ball that slipped through on the wet turf, beating the goalkeeper with a composed finish to double the Eagle lead. The Rangers fought back, earning a free kick just outside the Eagles Penalty area. The Rangers shot was saved by Dershem, but the rebound was poked into the net by the Rangers to cut the Eagles lead to a single goal. 

The Eagles remained composed played through the conditionsss when sophomore David Pontarelli found Mindling at the top of the Rangers box with 16-minutes remainig. Mindling drove the ball past two defenders and struck a shot across his body that found the bottom corner of the Rangers goal up the lead 3-1 and complete his hat-trick on the evening. 

The Eagles managed the game well for the remaining mintues, holding the Rangers at bay. The back three of the Eagles were able to win crossed balls and play them to safety until the final whistle. 

With the win, the Eagles advance to the Regional Semifinals where they will face host team, Cedar Springs in the early match on Tuesday, October 24.