OTSEGO ATHLETICS
Otsego High School
Boys Varsity Soccer
Game Summaries & Headlines.
7.0 years ago @ 9:48AM
- Game Date
- Sep 6, 2017
- Score
- : 1
PAW PAW HIGH SCHOOL: 2
There was a lot of excitement, a lot of nervousness, and ultimately a lot of issues the Bulldogs had to work through in their first Wolverine Conference test. The boys had their best warmup to date, and were energetic and excited prior to the match. That all seemed to change when Paw Paw was awarded, and buried a free kick within 2 minutes of the opening whistle. Paw Paw kept the field wide when they had possession, causing problems for the Otsego midfielders. Some selfish play, a few defensive errors, and a general lack of cohesiveness in the team had the Bulldog staff fuming at halftime.
The second half started about the same as the first, with Paw Paw finding a ball over the top of the defense, and depositing it in the back of the Otsego net in the first minute of play. The visitors would possess for long stretches and play a much more settled, intelligent game. They were creating chances and finding success in the second half that was missing in the first. Pressure on the back line of Paw Paw from Jace Engels and Keegan Timmerman forced a turnover 35 yards from the Redskins' goal. Jace made no mistake with his strike, hitting upper 90 from distance to close the gap.
Though the Dawgs mounted more attacks, their hosts were determined to defend with grit and hold the lead. The match finished 2-1 in favor of Paw Paw. Jayden Dentler made 11 saves in the loss for the Dawgs. Jace Engels earned offensive Man of the Match honors. Jack Waters played very consistent, physical defense in earning defensive Man of the Match.