Ionia Varsity started off their season tonight by playing host to Mason.
It was a bit of a different start to the season given all the safeguard trappings of a pandemic. But when the whistle blew to begin the game, it was clear that soccer was back.

Ionia had some brief moments thorughout the game where we were implementing our playing style but for the most part Mason was able to control the game and see it out as comfortable winners with an 8-0 score. This was more of a game for us to learn about what we've got and what we need to work on as a team. I think we definitely learned a lot. Mason is a vastly more experienced team and showed Ionia that we have some more work to do on our new system of play. 

Typically, with a lopsided game such as this, the goalkeeper on the other end has an opportunity to shine. Our goalkeeper, Kyle Jones did do quite well to deal with many of Mason's attacks, turning away 27 shots.
Some of those saves were brilliant. 

So, our first match in the books for a wacky start to the 2020 season. With the kind of players we have, this team is going to grow stronger and get better as we move forward.

Record 0-1-0
Next game is Sept. 10 - away to Lansing Catholic.