An Exciting Week of Girls Varsity Soccer

Lady Dutch competed in the Lansing Christian Pilgrim Showcase. Photo courtesy of Sam Sibilski, Manchester HS Soccer.

submitted by Sam Sibilski

Monday

The Manchester Lady Dutch soccer program took the short trip down to Columbia Central on Monday and came back with an important 1 – 0 win. Manchester’s only goal came from an Emma Mrocko header off a Mikayla Ball corner kick.

All in all the Lady Dutch looked organized defensively but failed to capitalize in front of the Columbia goal after out-shooting Columbia 9 – 2 at the net.

After the win over Brooklyn, Manchester was 5 – 2 for the season.

Thursday

The Lady Dutch took on the Wildcats of Onsted at Alumni field this past Thursday evening. The Lady Dutch held an MSA appreciation night before the game as future Manchester High School soccer players escorted the current players out onto the field.

Manchester looked to take control of the game early and were able to put pressure on the Wildcats straight from the kickoff. Natalie Bargardi and Rayna Edwards both rattled the cross bar from long rang within the first 5 minutes.

It wasn’t long before the Lady Dutch broke down a resilient Onsted defense. After a scramble in the box, Captain Delanie Osborne was able to poke home the opener from close range.

Manchester, still looking to control the game, went 2 – 0 up when Natalie Bargardi opened up a left foot drive from 22 yards out, and was still 2 – 0 up at half time.

After a quick chat from the Coach at the half, Manchester came out focused and managed to add another 4 goals to the board with 2 goals from Hannah Woods, and 1 each from Rylee Spitler and Emma Mrocko.

The second win for the week set Manchester up to take on 3 of the top D4 teams on Saturday at the Lansing Christian tournament.

Saturday

Lady Dutch attended the Lansing Christian Pilgrim showcase looking to show why they will continue to be a force within Division 4 soccer. Manchester, as regional finalists from last year, were the lowest ranked team from the 2016 season to enter the showcase.

The Lady Dutch took on #1 ranked team Lansing Christian, #5 ranked West Muskegon Christian and defending state champions Liggett Woods. Although the first 2 games ended in tough losses, Manchester finished the showcase with a convincing win over defending state champions Liggett Woods.

The results were as follows:

Game 1 final
Liggett vs WMC 3-1
LCS vs Manchester 4-1

Game 2 final
WMC vs Manchester 2-0
LCS vs Liggett 2-1

Game 3 final
Manchester vs Liggett. 3-0
WMC vs LCS 1-1

It was a valuable experience for this young Manchester team looking to make strides into the post season. Manchester is definitely in the mix.

Manchester will travel to Lenawee Christian in ISL action tonight, with a 5.30pm kickoff.

And don’t forget, in two Mondays, Manchester will host the New Battle 4 Sight Game on Monday, May 15 at 5:30 PM at Alumni Field. This is the RESCHEDULED DATE for the Battle 4 SIGHT. Come out and watch the Lady Dutch and Lady Warriors battle it out for a conference win and battle against blindness! All proceeds of concessions and t-shirt sales go to the Diuble Family Vision Organization.

For as little as $1 a month, you can keep Manchester-focused news coverage alive.

by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.