We saw two wins today...The first win was getting all of these teenage boys to wake up on a Saturday in time to travel to Hastings for a late morning game.

We weren't sure what to expect from Hastings. Right from the kick-off we learned it was going to be a physical challenge and that we were going to have a fight on our hands. Hastings overall was bigger and a bit quicker as a team. They played us hard to a 1-1 draw through the first half, our lone goal coming from a surgical strike by Devon Reyes on a free kick just outside the box. Although we proved equal to their physical challenge, we also believed that if we kept our composure and kept the ball moving, they would tire as the game wore on and we would begin to take control over the game.

The guys started the second half very composed and stuck to the game plan. It wasn't too long before their pressure started to slow and we found ourselves with more time on the ball. That is when we really began to tighten the screws. The next four goals came with regularity as Zane Sarka kept running at the defense resulting in his netting a hatrick, along with a goal for the brace by Devon Reyes. We continued to dictate the pace for the rest of the game and saw it out comfortably.

We've had two of our better games in a row now. Our Defense has been pretty good lately. Our Midfield has been providing more balance and fluidity to our play. Our attacking threat has improved since our wings have taken on more responsibility with our wide play. The players need to recognize that we have set the bar higher for our level of play and we need to consistently perform to that standard going forward.

It was a good week for Bulldog Soccer ⚽   

Next up: @ Lansing Sexton - Tuesday, Sept. 27. Varsity - only @ 5:30 pm

Stats at a Glance
Ionia 5 - Hastings 1
Shots: 9

Goals:
Zane Sarka 3
Devon Reyes 2

Assists:
Devon Reyes 1
Zane Sarka 1
Carter Castillo 1
Aidan Kapp 1

Kyle Jones - 5 saves 

Overall Record: 10-2-1
Conference Record: 2-1-1