Lakers knock off TC Christian
Glen Lake won 3-1 Wednesday, defeating Traverse City Christian and advancing to the district semifinals.
"I like that they didn't quit. They fought for 80 minutes," Glen Lake coach Jared Boynton said. "The way they played for each other was really nice. We have to keep playing for each other and play for the seniors. We got a lot of youngsters here, so we are getting them experience of a playoff game to the next round."
Laker freshman Odin Hawley-Joppich scored the first goal, putting the Lakers up and going into the half with a 1-0 lead.
Traverse City Christian nearly tied it with multiple chances at the end of the half; Glen Lake took a two-goal lead on a Grayson Thompson goal.
The Sabres didn't back down, and Liam Torbin broke through with 21 minutes remaining after beating multiple Glen Lake defenders to cut the Lakers' lead to 2-1.
Only a few minutes later, Austin Switzer responded for the Lakers and retook a two-goal lead, 3-1. Senior Sawyer Homa assisted.
"I like how everybody played; we played together. Even when we weren't playing our best, we were playing together, and I think that goes a long way as far as we can in the playoffs," Homa said. "Everybody stepped up in a big way. We lost a lot of people last year, but a lot of the freshmen stepped up, a couple of the returning guys were playing well, and it's been nice to see the development from everybody."
Switzer played the best soccer of the season with a goal and assist.
Glen Lake senior Ollie O'Neill sealed the win with a goal on a lead pass from Oliver Toomey, ending the contest 4-1.
Anthony Forton had four saves during the win.
"We need to stay on our toes," Forton said. "We locked everything down in the back line. We made sure we took care of business on top; taking the four goals is just something you always like to see out of a game. We definitely have the bond that makes us like a family, and if we keep those connections up and know where everybody is, we can definitely take down whoever we have next."
The Lakers are now 15-4-1 and will play the winner of Traverse City St. Francis and McBain NMC on the road Monday.
McBain NMC defeated Traverse City St. Francis in a shootout and will face the Comets on the road Monday.
Buckley defeats SB; Leland cruises to district semis
Leland defeated Benzie Central 8-0 Wednesday and will face Buckley for a spot in the district finals Monday, Oct. 19.
Buckley defeated Suttons Bay 5-3 after a second-half comeback Thursday. The Norse finished the season 9-9-1.
