The race for the Wolverine Conference girls’ soccer championship got a little more interesting on Monday, May 9.
Allegan entered its clash against Plainwell as the final team without a league loss or tie.
But the Trojans changed that thanks to a 2-1 victory that left them and the Tigers with identical 4-1 records in league play.
Otsego and Paw Paw each entered the evening with no league losses and a tie to each other.
“I thought our girls came out ready to play tonight, which was refreshing to see,” first-year Plainwell coach Kyle Farris said. “There have really been some girls stepping up—Lexi Stevens, Rylee Wilson, Maci Wilson, Sydney Rehr and Emily Young—to fill some gaps and it’s been terrific. The team as a whole is performing at a high level right now and we are starting to build some momentum.”
The Trojans took the early momentum in this match, going up 1-0 at halftime thanks to a successful penalty kick from Katie Rush after Allegan had been called for a hand ball in the box.
Plainwell made it 2-0 early in the second half on a goal by Meagan Tran.
That’s where the score remained until, with about 10 minutes left to play, Allegan’s Jade Coffey scored off an assist from Joy Hunziker.
The Tigers had some additional chances at a potential game-tying goal, but were unable to find the back of the net with the equalizer.
“Credit to Allegan for not giving up and putting some pressure on us towards the end,” Farris said. “It was a great game to be a part of.”
Allegan keeper Kara Bishop made seven saves in the loss.
As for the rest of the league season, both Plainwell and Allegan still have a match with Otsego, while the Tigers also still face Paw Paw.
“We have some very big challenges ahead so it will be exciting to see how the girls perform down the stretch,” Farris said.
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