The Varsity Eagles hosted the Sailors of South Christian in a Division 2 District Final on an incredible fall day for soccer.  Just three weeks ago, the Eagles suffered a 5-0 defeat to the Sailors at Eagle Stadium, so there was no lack of motivation in a match that would decide who moves on in the MHSAA tournament and whose season comes to an end.   The home side was determined to come out on the front foot and to both limit and defend South's dangerous long throws better than the last outing.  

The Eagles came out strong and got off to a dream start when Peter Borst served in a perfect corner kick to Emmett Vance, who calmly headed it past the keeper to give the hosts an early 1-0 lead just a few minutes into the match.   From there, both teams would settle in and trade some chances.  From the start, the Eagles displayed a focus and tenacity in defending the inevitable throw-ins and corner kicks the Sailors would earn.   However, the Sailors would earn the equalizer midway through the first half when a cross ended up on the foot of South's dangerous striker at the far post and he was able to beat a defender and finish from close range just inside keeper Josh Dykema's near post.  

The Eagles would not be deterred on this day, however, and some nifty footwork from Peter Borst just inside the box on the left flank led to a foul and a deserved PK call.   As has been the case this season, senior John Cassiday stepped up under pressure and calmly finished the spot kick to restore the Eagles's advantage.   The Eagles would continue to pressure and David Pontarelli almost doubled the lead when he blasted a rebound through some defenders only to have the South keeper make a sprawling save and grab the ball while on his back just before it crossed the goal line.   To the delight of the home fans, Emmett Vance would indeed double the lead shortly after when his free kick managed to squirt past the keeper and cross the line.   The Eagles would see out their 3-1 advantage to the halftime whistle.

The second half featured more quality defending and goalkeeping from the home side as the Eagles trio of defenders, Soren White, Abel denDulk, and Tyler Wolters stayed organized and managed well every aerial attack the Sailors threw at them.  Coupled with the outstanding goal keeping of Josh Dykema, it was clear the Eagles were a different defensive unit on this day.   The Eagles midfield unit was also able to control much of the ball in the second half and therefore limit the direct play of the Sailors.   Cassiday just missed giving the Eagles another insurance goal with a brilliant effort from distance that just missed going in at the near post.  

Despite almost seeing out their comfortable 3-1 advantage at home, the visitors showed their resilience as their star striker bent one into the far corner with just one minute to play to cut the lead to 3-2.  From there it was all hands on deck as the Eagles had to defend a corner and a final long throw with everyone from South flooding the box, including their keeper.  However, Eagle keeper Josh Dykema somehow ended up with the ball in his hands as the final 10 second countdown began ensuring the Eagles would claim the District title on their home field.  

The Eagles advance to the Regional Semifinal vs. Sturgis at St. Joseph High School on Wednesday at 5pm.  

Go Eagles!