Back-to-back matches are tough, particularly when you are battling the conditions. Wednesday there were serious issues with the quality of the field. Thursday evening posed a totally different issue: HEAT! Hamilton maintains one of the nicest grass fields in West Michigan, and it was in great shape when the Bulldogs arrived for a non-conference matchup Thursday. What wasn't so favorable for either team were the temperature and humidity level. A water break in the middle of each half isn't usually necessary in mid-late September, but it was welcomed on Thursday as both teams were battling fatigue.

The match was a more balanced one than the final score would suggest at 4-1 in favor of Otsego. The Hawkeyes had the advantage in shots (16-15), and controlled much of the first half. Otsego put 11 of its 15 shots on frame, and this increased accuracy would serve them well on the scoreboard. Hamilton put 10 of their 16 on frame, and forced both Jayden and Brendan into some big time saves. Brendan Gross came on with 14 minutes to go in the first half after starter Jayden Dentler landed awkwardly on an acrobatic cross collection. Gross also came on for the final 5 minutes of play in the second half to give him 20 minutes on the night. Of the 9 saves the Bulldog keepers made, Jayden recorded 6 and Brendan 3.

Hamilton is a fast and physical, blue collar team who look to control the wide areas when in possession and run teams right off the field. This mentality and skill set made for a great matchup, and helped prepare the Dawgs for some of the faster teams they will see going forward. On a night when the weather made things difficult, legs were tired from the previous night's match, and a starting defender and goalkeeper were both out for periods of the match Otsego did what it needed to come away with a victory. Timely goals from Jace Engels (2), Javier Garcia Gil, and Avery Bush led the Dawgs. Avery, Javier, Jace, and Senior Captain Josh Loll all chipped in with assists. 

Even though it was a non-conference match the night meant a lot for the team. Avery Bush broke the Junior class's scoreless drought. Javier scored his first goal on US soil. Jace picked up right where he left off the night before with 2 goals and an assist, including a goal of the year candidate with his left foot from 20 yards out. All of our midfielders were running on fumes by the end of the match, but kept working hard. Our back line was put under great pressure, and didn't always make the initial challenge, but covered for each other extremely well all night. Fans were treated to an energetic match, and the players can be proud of themselves.

Next week is a three match week, including Monday's Purple Community Game against the Wildcats of Three Rivers, another conference battle against those "other" Bulldogs from Vicksburg, and a trip up to Wyoming to face Godfrey Lee.