The Eagle soccer team traveled back to St. Joseph High School for the Regional Final against 4th ranked Allendale on Saturday.  On another windy day near the lakeshore, the Eagles capitalized on an early chance just 12 minutes into the match when Peter Borst found himself in behind the Falcon defense from a pinpoint cross towards the far post from fellow senior John Cassiday.  Borst would show great composure as he took down the cross with a perfect first touch and forced the keeper to leave his line.  Borst's finishing touch was just as brilliant, as he calmly slotted the ball past the keeper and into the net to give the Eagles an important early lead.  The rest of the first half would be an up-and-down affair, with each team creating some half-chances.  

The Eagles would attack into the wind in the second half and knew that chances would be hard to come by against a stellar defensive squad in Allendale.  The Eagles' defense would certainly be tested as Allendale was attacking with the wind.   Time and time again, the midfield engaged when needed and absorbed pressure effectively, while the back line won ball after ball.  As time ticked slowly off the clock, it was clear the defensive unit was up for the task.  The midfield unit of Peter Borst, Liam Jansen, David Pontarelli, Boris Lalic, and Emmett Vance rose to the challenge of defending quality opposing midfielders.  The Eagle backline of Soren White, Tyler Wolters, Abel denDulk, Isaac Williams, Max Michael, Will VandenBerg, and Max Visser defended set pieces well and kept composure when the stakes were high.  Eagle keeper Josh Dykema would control his box well and leave his line when needed, including punching away a dangerous cross with just one minute remaining to keep the clean sheet and lead the Eagles to a Regional Title with a 1-0 victory.  

The Eagles return to the State Semifinal at Forest Hills Central for the second consecutive season as they face OK White rival Forest Hills Northern on Wednesday at 7pm.   Come on out to cheer on the Eagles for what promises to be a great night of soccer!  Go Eagles!