Soccer roundup: Trojans battle hard, fall short versus EGR

Sat, May 17, 2008    to del.icio.us

Fruitport (10-5-1 overall) gave host East Grand Rapids all it could handle Friday, but the Pioneers walked away with a 3-2 victory.

East Grand Rapids is as an honorable mention team in Division 2.

Regardless, it was Fruitport who struck first, as Kristine Harig fought hard for a 50-50 ball and then sent a pass to Linsye Haan, whose shot to the left side of the goal floated over the EGR goalie's arm.

Fruitport later added a goal from Ashley Newmyer, with an assist from Haan, but EGR tied the contest thanks to goals from Christine Peterson — one of the area's top players.

EGR scored three minutes into the second half to take a 3-2 lead and the score held up the rest of the way.

The Pioneers outshot Fruitport 10-6, with goalie Naomi Bush making only one save.

Fruitport plays for the Lakes Eight championship Monday at Spring Lake.

"We're ready," Fruitport coach David Hulings said. "I believe we're playing our best soccer right now."

WARRIORS

EDGE FREMONT

Western Michigan Christian raced out to a 2-0 first half lead against Fremont at home Friday night, but then had to hang on for a 3-2 win.

Anne VanRees scored midway through the first half off an assist from Laura Karsten. Karsten added an unassisted goal minutes later to give WMC (8-5-3 overall) the 2-0 lead at intermission.

Fremont cut it to 2-1 early in the second half when Kailey Hindes scored off an assist from Gabby Lounsbery. Carly Nelson put the Warriors up 3-1 10 minutes later off an assist from Karsten.

Fremont found the net again with three minutes remaining.