The JV Eagles traveled out to Forest Hills Central on yet another warm Wednesday night to hit the field against the Rangers.

The didn't stop either team from coming out strong to try and get an early lead. Both teams traded attacking sequences, but could not find any end product. The Ranges tried to play the ball through the middle of the field to their two strikers and create combinations. The center back duo of Graham de Jonge and Tyler Wolters did a great job of putting pressure on them to ensure the Rangers had limited opportunities. The big battle was in the midfield, with Caden Hoving, Alberto Gimeno and Max Rodwell trying to find pockets of space. 26 minutes into the first half, the determination paid off with Will VandenBerg finding space right in front of the defence before sending a long diagonal ball up the field. Will Bush easily outpaced his defender and coolly slotted the ball into the bottom corner for a 1-0 halftime lead.

The heat began to wear on the boys in the second half as fatigue began to show. The first twenty minutes were flat and lacked energy. The only opportunity came with Will Gruennert showing some quick feet in the offensive half. Forest Hills Central tied up the score with some gritty play up the right side of the field. That kicked the Eagles into gear and they found an extra level of energy. This ended up with a ball being played up the right side through Nate Evenhouse who was able to get a cross to the back post. Alberto got his head on it, but it hit the crossbar. Will Bush was ready and nodded the ball back home to take the 2-1 lead with 7 minutes to go in the game. The boys held out with some gritty defending from Alex Nelson and Mergen Shinetulga and goalkeeper Josh Dykema keeping the ball out of the net.

A gritty team performance to end and will be needed for the next game against Byron Center on Thursday night!