Soccer Game Summaries – GRA ‘08
GAME #1
HOME vs. GRAND VALLEY H.S.
SCORE: GRA 6 GRAND VALLEY 1
SCORING: GOALS O’Neal 1 ASSISTS O’Neal 2
Craig 1 Craig 1
Sindell 1 Sindell 1
Shurtleff 1 Shurtleff 1
D.W. Lee 1 D.W. Lee 1
Dong Jin Kang 1 Warsaw 1
Jackson 1
SUMMARY: Our home opener was a success. After a weeklong training camp the boys were in good form, defeating Grand Valley H.S. 6-1. Captain Dan Sindell ’08 opened the scoring and the Eagles didn’t look back. Six different players put the ball in the net for GRA, displaying the depth and balance of this ’08 team. Michael-John O’Neal led the attack with one goal and two assists on the day. Dave Crimmins ’08 wasn’t busy but looked sharp in goal. “I am pleased with the result.” Said coach Scott McNevan, “We did a lot of good things out there in our first match of the season. We will continue to work and build on this to get better each game.”
GAME #2
HOME vs. EDGEWOOD H.S.
SCORE: GRA 1 EDGEWOOD 2
SCORING: GOALS Craig 1 ASSISTS O’Neal 1
SUMMARY: On the road facing an experienced side from Edgewood H.S., the Eagles faced a significantly stronger challenge than during the season opener. After narrowly missing out on several fantastic scoring chances early in the game, the match settled into a real stalemate for much of the first half. During the 28th minute, a defensive lapse resulted in Edgewood opening the scoring. GRA found themselves down 0-1 at the half but the boys remained confident. The first twenty minutes of the second half were all Eagles. The momentum created three or four brilliant opportunities to tie the game but they could not finish. A quick, Edgewood counter attack in the 62nd minute made the score 0-2. With time ticking away and GRA pushing players forward in a desperate attempt to score, a free-kick was awarded just outside the Edgewood 18-yard box. Michael-John O’Neal ’08 drove the ball into the penalty area where Connor Craig ’09 connected for his second goal of the season. Down 1-2, GRA continued to press but could not tie the game. The final whistle blew and Edgewood escaped with the narrow victory. The back-four, Dan Sindell ’08, Jason Schoch ’08, Cliff Gunderson ’08, and Mike Wilcko ’08 played especially well for the Eagles, absorbing pressure and defending well all game long. Coach Scott McNevan had this to say, “We played well enough to win today but just couldn’t finish. We’re proud of the boy’s effort and will work on tightening things up for next week.”
GAME #3
HOME vs. THE LAWRENCE SCHOOL
SCORE: GRA 6 LAWRENCE 0
SCORING: GOALS Craig 1 ASSISTS O’Neal 1
O’Neal 1 Craig 1
D.W. Lee 1 Kang 1
Kang 1 Shurtleff 1f
Sindell 1 Sindell 1
Jackson 1 Warsaw 1
SUMMARY: The visiting Lawrence Knights were no match this day as the Eagles, with the help of the screaming student body behind them, overpowered their opponents 6-0 at the GRA Varsity Field. Six different goal scorers contributed offensively for Grand River, displaying the impressive depth that the team has this fall. Dave Crimmins earned his first ever shutout in net.
GAME #4
HOME vs. URSULINE H.S.
SCORE: GRA 1 URSULINE 1
SCORING: GOALS O’Neal 1 ASSISTS Craig 1
SUMMARY: On the road against a very strong, physical team in Ursuline, the Eagles showed grit and determination reaching a stalemate 1-1. Michael-John O’Neal opened the scoring in the eleventh minute, finishing a cross from Connor Craig to give GRA the lead. Less than five minutes later Ursuline tied the score after a poorly timed whiff by Eagle defenders and a solid finish past Dave Crimmins in net. The second half saw the physical battle continue. Both teams had scoring chances but the game ended in a draw. The back four of Dan Sindell, Jason Schoch, Mike Wilcko, and Cliff Gunderson deserve special recognition for their play during the final minutes. They held down the final third of the field preventing any go ahead goal from Ursuline. It was a good draw in the opinion of coach Scott McNevan. “We view Ursuline as a quality opponent, so to draw with them on the road is a positive for us.”
