On a cold and windy evening, the 2019 varsity squad had their last game of the year, suffering a loss to Holland public.  The Eagles would lead once early in the first half after Nick Cassiday (sophomore) scored on a hard angle with power and precision. Despite numerous golden opportunities on frame, the Eagles could not extend the lead and ended up conceding two of their most unlucky goals.  Playing against the wind and pelting the rain, Xander Schra (junior) attempted to head a clearing ball that just skimmed the top of his head and soared past goalkeeper Anton Dershem (junior) for the equalizer. Holland struck again after a slow ball rolled through the box, took an odd bounce, and snuck right past Dershem, who was expecting it to run wide. The Eagles entered halftime down 1-2.  The home team found the equalizer in the 57th minute of play after Evan May (senior) found his co-captain Reed VanderLugt (senior) for a beautiful header. The game opened up considerably, and the Eagles had their chances to score a late game-winner. Unfortunately, it was Holland who found a goal in the last 4 minutes of play after a missed clearance in the box.  The Eagles end the year 13 - 4 - 3 overall, scoring 45 goals and allowing 20. 

Tuesday evening, the Eagles hosted Zeeland East at Eagles Stadium for the first round of District playoffs.  Grand Rapids Christian created 4 golden opportunities in the first half of play but failed to make the final touch around the Zeeland East keeper. The Eagles held a 54% possession advantage throughout the half and managed 8 shots (3 SOG).  Tied 0-0, the Eagles came out for the second half hungry and composed. In the first 2 minutes of play, Ben Kuiper (Sophomore) hit a shot off the right post, and co-captain Evan May (Senior) finished for the go-ahead goal. The goal sparked more confidence, freedom of play, and composure for the host team. Kuiper soon created again for the Eagles crossing a beautiful ball from the far right side of the pitch. The pass connected and May finished with one-touch for the 2-0 lead.  Wrapping up the scoring for the Eagles was a driven cross from co-captain Reed VanderLugt (Senior) that Adrian Boyden (Junior) struck sharply into the far post corner for the decisive 3-0 victory.  The Eagles next face the winner of East Grand Rapids & Holland Public, Wednesday at 5 pm. 

Monday evening marked the last regular-season game of 2019 for the Eagles as they visited Forest Hills Eastern. The Eagles entered the match looking for precise play, clear possession, and momentum for the post-season.  And the young squad delivered. Connecting over 250 passes, and generating 6 shots on frame, the Eagles put together a complete game to overpower the Hawks, 3-0. Much of their success came from long streaks of one-touch passing and holding a 63% advantage in possession during the second half. This discipline created the go-ahead goal when Cassidy (Sophomore) found co-captain May (Senior) for a clean finish inside the box. The Eagles continued to string passes together, resulting in a 20+ passing sequence (season-high) that lead to Pruis (Sophomore) finding Cassidy for a clinical finish just inside the goal post. Wrapping up the scoring for the visiting team was Hascall (Senior) as he chipped the keeper, found help from the right post, and clinched the 3-0 victory.  The shut-out was shared by both Dershem (Junior) and Heerema (Sophomore). Dershem racked up six shut-outs throughout conference play and made over 42 saves. While the Eagles finish just behind South Christian in the conference, they dropped only two losses, gave up only 9 goals, and netted 32 for a 10 - 2 conference record.  The Eagles begin district playoffs at Eagle Stadium on Wednesday evening against Zeeland East. 

After a couple of poor showings, the Eagles tightened up their midfield play, found feet, and had a record night all around. In just fifty minutes, the Eagles got 27 shots off (17 on goal), connected over 170 passes, and managed some exceptional goals from well outside the 18-yard box.  Leading assists for the Eagles was Sophomore Nick Cassidy, finding VanderLugt (Senior), Boyden (Junior), and Hascall (Senior) for three clean finishes to go ahead, 3-0.  Boyden soon sent a spinning strike into the upper corner for the fourth goal of the match from 30 yards out. Boyden then assisted May (Senior) for a powerful finish inside the 6-yard box. Ending the 1st half scoring was Cassidy from the far right side of the pitch—bending a beautiful ball into the back of the net. The Eagles entered half-time 6-0.  In the second half, VanderLugt completed his first season hat-trick thanks to passes from May and Hascall. Goalkeepers Dershem (Junior) and Heerema (Sophomore) clinched the shut-out in the 8-0 mercy. The Eagles wrap up regular season play on Monday against Forest Hills Eastern. 

Tuesday evening proved to be eventful before players even took the field. After moving the game up (4:45 pm) due to EEE concerns, the Eagles wouldn't end up kicking off until 6 pm. Due to torrential rain, lightning, and an unplayable grass pitch, the Eagles moved back to Eagle Stadium (from Gainey) where they had only one hour to get a half of soccer in.  The match wasn't pretty, but the Eagles did squeak out a win over Wyoming. Scoring for the Eagles was Boyden (Junior) assisted by a long ball from Eli Leegwater (Sophomore), Luc Hascall (Senior) off a bouncing ball in the box, and May (Senior) headed in the game-winner thanks to an assist from Drew DeBoer (Sophomore).  The Eagles created seven golden opportunities but made the game closer than needed thanks to missed opportunities in the final third and a couple of mental lapses in the defensive third. The Eagles needed the victory to have any chance of clinching the OK Gold Conference top spot. Grand Rapids Christian still stands a half-game back from South Christian with two more conference games in the 2019 season. 

In a non-conference match-up, the Eagles visited the Huskies to kick-off their last full week of regular play in the 2019 season. The match was a good test of things to (hopefully) come as the #2 ranked Huskies could be the Eagles match-up in Regional play-offs. From that perspective, it was a good learning perspective for the visiting squad.  The Eagles shrank back from their standard style of play, couldn't keep possession, and didn't battle well in the air. Although keeper Anton Dershem (Junior) managed a season-high 14 saves, it wasn't enough as the Eagles gave up two goals in the first half and were shut-out for the match. The Eagles next host Wyoming at Gainey Athletic Complex Tuesday for a 4:45 pm kick-off. 

The Eagles had a non-conference battle against Division 3 top-ranked, Unity Christian Friday evening at Eagles stadium. The first half of play was all Eagles, as the host squad disrupted Unity through precise passing, decisive defensive pressure, and aggressive attacks. The Eagles' dominant possession (57%) paid off as Cassidy (Sophomore) found the familiar pass to Boyden (Junior) up the left side of the pitch. Boyden took two positive touches toward the frame, lifted his head, and found the far right corner for the go-ahead goal. Grand Rapids Christian entered halftime with a 1-0 lead.  The second half was going well for the home team until the Eagles were caught ball-watching on a free-kick. On an 80-yard kick, the Eagles' lost their marks and Unity got a clean strike on goal to beat keeper, Dershem (Junior). After drawing even, the Eagles looked a bit dazed and gave up their share of possession. Although a more open half, neither team could find the game-winner, and two teams finished with a draw. The sides looked even on paper as both teams managed five shots on goal and enjoyed roughly half the possession throughout the game.  The Eagles next visit Forest Hills Northern for a 5:00 pm kick-off. 

Thursday afternoon the Eagles bounced back after a tough Tuesday loss, and shut-out the visiting East Grand Rapids squad, 3-0. The clean sheet was thanks to an active defensive backline and smart goalkeeping from Anton Dershem (Junior). Notable in the Eagle backline was center back, Eli Leegwater (Sophomore) who the lead the defensive stats in 50/50 battles, tackles, and clears.  First half highlights included scoring from Nick Cassidy (Sophomore) in the 11th minute. Evan May (Senior) found Cassidy off a cross from the right-wing, and the Sophomore finished cleanly in the bottom left corner for the early go-ahead goal. The Eagles tacked on one more goal in the half as Adrian Boyden (Junior) finished a break-away ball from May. The second half was again all Eagles as Cassidy hit a screamer from 23 yards out into the back of the net for the three-goal cushion thanks to a pass from Trent Elzinga (Junior).  The Eagles next face Unity Christian this afternoon (4:00 pm) for a non-conference battle.   

Tuesday evening the boys' varsity squad suffered their second conference loss to Thornapple Kellogg, 2-3.  The night looked good for the Eagles as they held the lead twice throughout the night. Late in the first half Hans Pruis headed the ball in the back of the net off a clean cross from Evan May. Unfortunately, the Eagles back-line conceded a goal with only 2 minutes left in the first half for a 1-1 draw at halftime.  Early in the second half, the Eagles retook the lead as Grant Hassenrik (Sophomore) scored his first varsity goal thanks to another assist from Evan May. This lead lasted for most of the match until a spectacular volley from outside the 18-yard box tied the game, 2-2. As the final minute winded down, the Trojans made a final push up the field and scored off another remarkable shot outside the 18-yard box—the ball soaring into the upper corner of the goal with only 19 seconds of the match.  The Eagles could not find the late equalizer and lost their second conference game. While the Eagles had more possession and golden opportunities on net, the defensive line crumbled under pressure from the Trojans. With the loss, the Eagles now stand half a game behind current conference leaders, South Christian. 

Thursday evening the Eagles got to re-match the only conference loss they've had this season. Coming into the game, the Eagles sat just 1/2 a game back from the Sailors in the OK Gold Conference, and were looking to take back first place.  The varsity squad did just that thanks to a clean sheet, focus in the final minutes of play, and a composed finish by co-captain, Evan May. Early in the first half, May recovered a breakaway ball in the Sailors' backline, pushed the ball toward goal, and was off. May took a few composed touches around the Sailors' goalkeeper and finished powerfully for the go-ahead goal.  That goal would be the only goal of the match thanks to smart play from the Eagle's back line (Eli Leegwater; Alex DeBoer; Joey Rauwerda; Reed VanderLugt), and 9 saves from goalkeeper, Anton Dershem. Dershem tracked tricky shots from outside the box and successfully punched dangerous crosses clear to preserve the clean sheet.  With the victory, the Eagles stand on top of the OK Gold table with five more conference matches to go in the 2019 regular season.   

On Tuesday evening, the Eagles hosted Forest Hills Eastern and came away with a 4-0 victory. The shut-out is credited to both Anton Dershem (Junior) and Levi Heerema (Sophomore).  First half play netted 9 shots (6 SOG) for the Eagles and 3 shots (2 SOG) for the opposing Hawks. The play was choppy early with lots of 50/50 balls and loss of possession for both sides. Once the Eagles managed to string some passes together, Evan May found Matthew Welch just inside the 18-yard box. Welch finished cleanly for 1-0 lead. After supplying the opening assist, May finished on a one-time strike after Nick Cassidy slotted a through-ball to break the Hawks defense. The final goal of the half was thanks to beautiful midfield vision and passing starting with Ben Kuiper. Kuiper found a wide cross to Matthew Welch on the right flank. Welch then served a perfect cross into the middle for Evan May to finish for the third goal.  The second half play was choppy and uneventful until the final 30 seconds of the match. As the clock was winding down, Trent Elzinga found Drew DeBoer in the air for a powerful header to close the match. The Eagles had a slight edge on possession, 53% to 47% and out-shot the Hawks 14 - 3.  With the 4-0 win, the Eagles stand just a half-game behind South Christian for the OK Gold Conference title. The Eagles will get a chance to make up that half-game difference as they take on the Sailors this Thursday at South Christian. 

The Eagles netted six goals to post a decisive non-conference win against Catholic Central on Saturday afternoon. Grand Rapids Christian scored early and often throughout both halves, posting 3 goals in the first and another 3 in the second. The Cougars sneaked one goal in each half off missed cues by the Eagles defensive line.  Scoring in the first 5 minutes of play was co-captain Evan May off a pass from Grant Hassenrik. May would go on to complete a hat-trick thanks to assists from Matthew Welch and Nick Cassidy. Nick Cassidy would come second in scoring for the Eagles, putting two past the Cougars goalie thanks to assists from Reed VanderLugt and Alex Terry. Also scoring for the Eagle was Alex Terry thanks to an assist from Evan May.  While Head Coach Bruce Pobocik was glad to see the goals trickle in, he was most proud of the team's composure. The match netted five yellow cards (4 for the host team) and the Eagle's responded well to persistent tackles that injured a few throughout the game.  The Eagles next face Forest Hills Eastern on Tuesday at 6:15 pm at Gainey fields. 

Tuesday's conference match-up was delayed an hour after a brief thunderstorm rolled over Gainey fields. After the delay, the Eagles strung together over 90 passes in the first half, got 12 shots off (5 on goal), and out-possessed the visiting Wayland squad, 68% to 32%.  The pressure eventually proved fruitful as Eagles drew a penalty kick after Alex Terry (Sophomore) was fouled inside the box. Co-Captain Evan May (Senior) clipped the cross-bar on the PK attempt, and Eagles still stood scoreless. It wasn't until Nick Cassidy (Sophomore) out-paced the Wayland defenders and finished the go-ahead goal within 5 yards of the  goal.  Unfortunately, at the end of the first half, the Wayland attackers scored of a curling corner kick that clipped Goalkeeper's, Anton Dershem (Junior), hands and found the back of the net.  With light fading as the second half began, the Eagles hoped to find one more goal before the game was called due to visibility. It came in the final 2 minutes of play as Cassidy passed to Reed VanderLugt (Senior) who played a through ball back to Cassidy inside the 18-yard box. Cassidy finished cleanly for the game-winning goal.  With the victory, the Eagles improve to 4 - 1 inside the OK Gold conference. 

The Eagles visited Wyoming Saturday afternoon and came away with a 2-0 win.  The varsity squad possessed the ball close to 60% of the match, had a record number of shots (29), and strung together over 130 passes. The Eagles goals came from co-captain Reed VanderLugt (Senior) and Nick Cassidy (Sophomore) in the first half of play. VanderLugt finished a beautiful ball in the air—heading it into the back of the net. Cassidy got the goal as a result of a clean cross that found the back of the net off a Wyoming player.  The shut-out is their 4th of the season and second in conference play. The Eagles continue to play with more chemistry, confidence, and precision as they head into the third week of OK Gold conference matches. This week, the Eagles host Wayland (Tuesday) and travel to Catholic Central (Saturday). With the victory on Saturday, the Eagles stand 3 - 1 in conference play.   

In their third conference match-up, the Eagles put together their most complete game this season, completing over 100 passes, getting 15 shots on goal, and toppling the conference rivals 1-0.  The Eagles had struggled to look dangerous in the attacking third but seemed to turn a corner Tuesday night at East Grand Rapids. Grand Rapids Christian pressed early and often, creating opportunities for starting forwards, Alex Terry (Sophomore) and Hans Pruis (Sophomore). Returning to play after a back injury, center midfielder, Nick Cassidy (Sophomore), drew a penalty kick early in the first half. Cassidy then struck the ball just left of center where the opposing keeper came up with a diving save. Despite 9 shots on goal, the Eagles went to halftime tied, 0-0.  In the 6th minute of the second-half, Cassidy connected with Pruis on a through ball inside the 18-yard box, where Pruis finished cleanly over the goalkeeper for the go-ahead goal. The Eagles defensive line and goalkeeper (Anton Dershem, Junior), would hold the Pioneers off and secure the shut-out for the crucial conference victory. Dershem made 5 saves throughout the match as the Eagles enjoyed 58% of the possession. With the conference win, the varsity squad improves to 2 - 1 in the OK Gold Conference. 

In their third conference match-up, the Eagles put together their most complete game this season, completing over 100 passes, getting 15 shots on goal, and toppling the conference rivals 1-0.  The Eagles had struggled to look dangerous in the attacking third but seemed to turn a corner Tuesday night at East Grand Rapids. Grand Rapids Christian pressed early and often, creating opportunities for starting forwards, Alex Terry (Sophomore) and Hans Pruis (Sophomore). Returning to play after a back injury, center midfielder, Nick Cassidy (Sophomore), drew a penalty kick early in the first half. Cassidy then struck the ball just left of center where the opposing keeper came up with a diving save. Despite 9 shots on goal, the Eagles went to halftime tied, 0-0.  In the 6th minute of the second-half, Cassidy connected with Pruis on a through ball inside the 18-yard box, where Pruis finished cleanly over the goalkeeper for the go-ahead goal. The Eagles defensive line and goalkeeper (Anton Dershem, Junior), would hold the Pioneers off and secure the shut-out for the crucial conference victory. Dershem made 5 saves throughout the match as the Eagles enjoyed 58% of the possession. With the conference win, the varsity squad improves to 2 - 1 in the OK Gold Conference. 

In their third conference match-up, the Eagles put together their most complete game this season, completing over 100 passes, getting 15 shots on goal, and beating the rivals 1-0.  The Eagles had struggled to look dangerous in the attacking third but seemed to turn a corner Tuesday night at East Grand Rapids. Grand Rapids Christian pressed early and often, creating opportunities for starting forwards, Alex Terry (Sophomore) and Hans Pruis (Sophomore). Returning to play after a back injury, center midfielder, Nick Cassidy (Sophomore), drew a penalty kick early in the first half. Cassidy then struck the ball just left of center where the opposing keeper came up with a diving save. Despite 9 shots on goal, the Eagles went to halftime tied, 0-0.  In the 6th minute of the second-half, Cassidy connected with Pruis on a through ball inside the 18-yard box, where Pruis finished cleanly over the goalkeeper for the go-ahead goal. The Eagles defensive line and goalkeeper (Anton Dershem, Junior), would hold the Pioneers off and secure the shut-out for the crucial conference victory. Dershem made 5 saves throughout the match as the Eagles enjoyed 58% of the possession. With the conference win, the varsity squad improves to 2 - 1 in the OK Gold Conference. 

In their third conference match-up, the Eagles put together their most complete game this season, completing over 100 passes, getting 15 shots on goal, and beating the rivals 1-0.  The Eagles had struggled to look dangerous in the attacking third but seemed to turn a corner Tuesday night at East Grand Rapids. Grand Rapids Christian pressed early and often, creating opportunities for starting forwards, Alex Terry (Sophomore) and Hans Pruis (Sophomore). Returning to play after a back injury, center midfielder, Nick Cassidy (Sophomore), drew a penalty kick early in the first half. Cassidy then struck the ball just left of center where the opposing keeper came up with a diving save. Despite 9 shots on goal, the Eagles went to halftime tied, 0-0.  In the 6th minute of the second-half, Cassidy connected with Pruis on a through ball inside the 18-yard box, where Pruis finished cleanly over the goalkeeper for the go-ahead goal.  The Eagles defensive line and goalkeeper (Anton Dershem, Junior), would hold the Pioneers off and secure the shut-out for the crucial conference victory. Dershem made 5 saves throughout the match as the Eagles enjoyed 58% of the possession. With the conference win, the varsity squad improves to 2 - 1 in the OK Gold Conference. 

Wednesday evening the boys' varsity soccer squad notched their first conference win over Thornapple Kellog at Gainey Athletic Stadium, 2-1.  First half play was rocky for the eagles as they forfeited pass after pass, giving the visiting squad the advantage in possession, total shots, and golden opportunities. Yet, the Eagles managed to find a dangerous ball through to Alex Terry (Sophomore) who was fouled by the Trojans' goalkeeper. The Eagles earned a penalty kick, and Co-Captain Reed VanderLugt finished cleanly for the go-ahead goal.  The second half play was better from the host team as they began to build through the midfield and find feet to break down the opposing defense. The Eagles had a few golden opportunities inside the box, but it was Trojans who scored first after a bouncing ball in the box landed on the goal line for a smooth finish.  The Eagles continued to battle and found success after a cross from Drew DeBoer allowed Luc Hascall a rip on frame. The goalkeeper made a great save on the line, but Jonathan Clarkin (Freshman) finished the loose ball and got the go-ahead goal for the Eagles.  With the victory, the Eagles stand 1 - 1 in conference play.   

During wet field conditions, the Eagles hosted the South Christian Sailors to begin the OK Gold conference play. Early on it was all Eagles as Alex Terry (Sophomore) scored just inside the six-yard box with a beautiful flick around the Sailors goalkeeper in the first three minutes of play. It was Terry's first varsity goal and the Eagles second team goal of the season.  Unfortunately, it would be their only goal of the game. As play dipped into the second half, the Eagles struggled to possess the ball. Eventually, the Sailors scored inside the 18-yard box after multiple defenders dove in—and flew by—the goal scorer. Tied at 1-1, the Sailors started to gain momentum.  The Eagles continued to give the ball away averaging only three passes before turning the ball over. The home squad had multiple golden opportunities inside the box and had ten shots throughout the evening. But it was the Sailors who took advantage with eight minutes left in the match—finding the back of the net after a crisp pass inside 6-yard box.  With the loss, the Eagles stand 0 - 1 in conference play and 1 - 2 - 1 overall. The varsity squad has two days to train before facing Thornapple-Kellogg on Thursday evening at Gainey Athletic Complex. 

After beating Holland Public earlier in the day, the Eagles ended up losing to Gull Lake in a penalty kick shootout. Anton Dershem (Junior) got the regulation shut-out (0-0) and made two saves in the shootout.  First-Half  The Eagles struggled to keep the ball in first-half—holding 45% of the possession. Taking advantage of the free give-aways in the middle of the field, the visiting Blue Devils got six shots off with one on goal. The Eagles struggled to look dangerous in the attacking third and didn't post a shot in the first 30 minutes of the match.  Second-Half  Again, the Eagles came out stronger in the second-half of the match and held 55% of the possession. However, Gull Lake was more efficient with the ball and created another eight shots with three on goal. The Eagles had a few promising passes but didn't get a shot on target throughout the entire second-half.  Penalty Kicks  With the match tied at 0-0 teams prepared for a PK shootout. Unfortunately, the shooting woes continued for the Eagles. The host team only found the back of the net once out of four attempts while Gull Lake finished three tries out of five. Anton Dershem (Junior) did make a couple of great saves to keep the Eagles in the shootout, but the strikers struggled to finish from the penalty spot.  Gull Lake won the Grand Rapids Christian Invitational, beating Holland Public earlier in the day 4-2. The Eagles begin conference play Monday (8/26) against South Christian at Eagles Stadium.   

In the Grand Rapids Christian Invitational opener, the Eagles shut-out Holland public and earned their first victory of the season. Luc Hascall (Senior) scored the first goal of the season, and Anton Dershem (Junior) secured another shut-out.  First-Half Holland looked dangerous and dominant early in the match. The Dutch enjoyed 56% of the possession and had eight shots—putting four on goal. In contrast, the host team didn't get a single shot off the first half. Yet, the Eagles defense and goalkeeping held firm and managed to keep the Dutch from finishing through the first half.  Second-Half  After chatting through some tactical adjustments at half-time, the Eagles took the upper-hand throughout the second half. Grand Rapids Christian enjoyed 56% of the possession and were able to press the Dutch back into their defensive third. Eventually, a bouncing ball across the goal frame landed at Luc Hascall's (Senior) feet and cleanly finished for the go-ahead goal with 10 minutes remaining. The Dutch got another three shots on frame, but Anton Dershem (Junior) saved each attempt to secure the shut-out. 

On a perfect fall evening, the Grand Rapids Christian Boys Varsity soccer squad hosted Forest Hills Central for the 2019 season opener. In the non-conference match-up, the Eagles held 53% of the possession in the match. More importantly, the Eagles connected 70% of their attempted passes in the first half and just over 60% of attempted passes in the second half. Despite the slight dip in pass accuracy, the Eagles unlocked FHC's defense in the second half and created numerous opportunities in the attacking third.  Again and again, the Eagles challenged the backline of Forest Hills Central and out-shot the visiting team 17 to 11. Grand Rapids Christian missed a few big chances but were overall happy to create such smooth play after having 17 new team-members join the squad for the 2019 season. Despite the draw, the chemistry, flow, and passing came together and will be something to build on as the Eagles progress into conference play.  The Eagles next face Holland Public and Gull Lake in the Grand Rapids Christian Invitational this Saturday (8/24) with games beginning at 11:00 am.