Leland clinches state finals berth; 2-1 win

 For the first time since 2018, Leland boys soccer (15-8-2) will be competing for a state championship after the Comets held on to a 2-1 lead, defeating Grandville Calvin Christian (19-5-2) Wednesday at Pat Patterson Stadium in East Kentwood.
“It means a ton to finally win on this field. We've been working hard all year for it,” Spencer said.
The Comets struck first off a thrilling header by Spencer that was assisted by senior Ignacio Creamer only 12 minutes into the match. Spencer has scored in every game so far this postseason (six games).
Not even 10 minutes later, Grandville Calvin Christian would even the score after a rocket shot went off the crossbar and past Leland goalkeeper Ravello Smith. 
Both teams would only have a few more opportunities before going into halftime tied 1-1. 
“It feels great,” Leland coach Rob Sirrine said. “That's what we were driving home to the guys, is that we got to play, like we did against North Muskegon in the first 15 minutes, because we can't just start off laxadaisical,” Leland coach Rob Sirrine said. “We stuck to the game plan for the most part. I thought we were going to get a goal on a corner, because we saw some holes on film, and we did, and then we got another one on the corner.”
The second half started with a yellow card from the Comets, but Leland would fend off multiple Squire chances before finding their footing on the turf field. 
Leland finally took the lead with 28 minutes remaining in the game when Jose "Chore" Roman placed a perfect corner kick pass on top of senior Eli Ulbrich's head and into the back of the net (2-1).
Smith would have to stand on his head after a recotiat shot nearly tied the game for Grandville Christian late. 
“A couple of those highballs, you can lose track of, but I kept my eye on the ball and then got as high as I can above these other guys, got taken out a couple of times, but prevailed,” Ravello Smith said. “We got caught a couple times, not playing our game in the first half, and that's where they scored … We are a brotherhood, so we love each other. It felt amazing. I've never won on this field. We got sent home twice. This time, I knew we weren’t going to lose. I needed to win this game.”
The Comets have lost on the East Kentwood field in the semifinals 2023, 2022 and 2021, before finally getting over the hill Wednesday.
Smith ended the game with four saves on five shots. 
Leland would not let off the gas pedal as senior Weston Burda had multiple shots on Grandville Christian that nearly extended the Comets lead in the final 10 minutes.
Leland’s defensive line played brilliantly all night, clearing the majority of Granville Calvin Christian scoring attempts. Leland sophomore Carter Suttman is credited with playing the game of his life defensively by coach Sirrine. 
“I have full faith in every single one of them, and just the utmost confidence,” Ulbrich said. “Getting over that hill and the mental barrier of coming here. It's awesome. It's just a euphoric feeling. I'm so happy. Everyone has those white buffalo (elusive wins). And this was one of mine. I’m glad for peace of mind and everything to get it done today.” 
Leland will battle Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett after the Knights defeated Lansing Christian 1-0 in overtime at the state championship Saturday at 10 a.m., hosted by Grand Ledge. 
Leland defeated the Knights in early October, 1-0. 
The Comets avenged a 0-2 loss to Grandville Calvin Christian in late August.