Over the past week, the JV soccer team faced off against multiple opponents such as Lowell, Caledonia, and Grand Rapids Christian in hopes of improving their record of 5-3-1 with another string of wins.

Last Thursday, the boys took on the Lowell Red Arrows at home. The game started pretty even, with both teams having great chances to break the deadlock. It wasn’t until freshman Reese Bonsall scored late in the first half that either team had a lead. Although it was a well-deserved goal, it was quickly equalized by the Red Arrows. This brought the game back to an all-even score, and there was still the second half to play; an opportunity to win a conference game.

Both sides battled it out, giving it their all until the final whistle. Then, with only a few minutes left in the game, Sophomore Cole Decker scored to give the Rangers the win. The conference win boosted the boys to six wins on the season.

The next game they played for the week was against Caledonia. The Scots gave the Rangers a tough challenge, taking an early lead in the first half. The boys continued to fight throughout the game but ended up falling short. The lone goal from Caledonia was enough to give the Rangers a loss.

This loss didn’t stop the boys from giving it their all; they still look forward to what will come later in the season. Freshman Grant McLean gave his thoughts on what he hopes for in the future, “I look forward to seeing how well we do in our next games and playoffs, since we are still getting better the farther we get into the season.”

The last game of the week was against the conference rivals, Grand Rapids Christian. With crisp cold air in Eagle Stadium, the boys were ready for their first match in true fall weather. The game started with the Rangers having the advantage over the Eagles, but unfortunately, they conceded a goal in the first half due to a GRC counterattack.

The Rangers continued to show excellence in their play but could not convert on any of their chances. They gave it everything they had but couldn’t find the back of the net, causing them to lose 1-0 to the Eagles. This put them at 6-5-1 on the season with only a few games left.

The team hopes to find a winning streak as they close out the season with their next game against the Huskies of Portage Northern at home on Saturday, September 24, at 10 a.m.