It was a difficult game from the outset but in the first half-hour, Ionia did as great job of sticking to the game plan and allowing GRC only low-risk shots that our keeper Alex Barr could control. Eventually, we lost a bit of focus and strayed a bit from the game plan. That's when GRC started to penetrate the lines and it wasn't long before they had a couple of goals on us.

In the second half we made changes that we knew would make us more vulnerable to their attack while we tried to get back into the game. We played very hard but in the end it was a comfortable win for GRC. The final minutes of the game provided some excitement for Ionia though as we made a goalkeeper change. Caiden Sayers, took over in goal for Alex Barr who became a field player with about 5 minutes left to play. While Sayers was stopping shots, including one powerful shot he saved with his gut, Barr latched on to a ball shortly after that on the other end. As he darted into the box with the ball, avoiding a couple of tackles, a late defender brought Alex down in the box and the referee signaled for the penalty. Barr converted on the spot for his first goal of the season with a minute left in his final season.

Regardless of tonight's outcome, these young men have played some good soccer over the course of the season as their 12-6-2 record would suggest. Finally, the players really appreciate the support shown throughout the season by the community; friends, family, school.