Three second half goals by Adrian Martinez helped Dowagiac seal its Wolverine Conference Soccer Tournament victory over visiting Paw Paw Monday.

The Chieftains led just 2-1 entering the final 40 minutes of play before Martinez exploded.

He had back-to-back goals in the 43rd and 48th minutes to break the match open. His final goal came in the 72nd minute and capped the scoring.

With a strong cold wind blowing from the south, Dowagiac was able to use it to its advantage. By playing the long ball and using its speed up top, the Chieftains were able to grab a 2-0 lead.

Antonio Reynaga took a perfect Martinez pass to beat Redskins’ keeper Jalen VanHoeven in the 23rd minute of the opening score of the match.

Nine minutes later, Dowagiac used nearly an identical pass from Ricardo Esparza to Tony Solis for a 2-0 lead in the 32nd minute.

Paw Paw cut the lead to 2-1 a minute later on a goal by Seth Hickmott. The Redskin had a chance to get out of the first half even with the Chieftains, but a penalty kick was stopped by Dowagiac keeper Paul Lamphere.

The wind died down some in the second half and really wasn’t a factor for Paw Paw the way it was for Dowagiac in the opening 40 minutes.

Martinez’ two quick strikes allowed the Chieftains to focus most of its efforts on defense, but take the opportunities to score when they presented themselves.

Tim Keene scored off a Jorge Ruiz assist in the 60th minute to make it 5-1 and seal the victory.

Paw Paw’s Will Gooding cut the lead to 5-2 with 15 minutes remaining, but the Redskins would get no closer.

Martinez completed the hat trick five minutes later.

“We just look like we are having fun playing soccer,” Dowagiac coach Mike Williams said. “That’s what the difference has been. They look like they wanted it. That definitely makes a difference, plus the subs are starting to develop a little bit and play better.”

Lamphere, who came up bit early, finished with 13 saves.

“The huge difference in the last week or so has been his (Lamphere) play,” Williams said. “His play is back to where it was last year. His confidence is there and now I hardly have to say anything to him. Earlier in the year he was sitting back and letting them take it in on him. This time he came out just about every time he was supposed to come out.”

The Chieftains held a 20-16 advantage in shots on goal. Paw Paw’s Jalen VanHoeven had 14 saves.

Dowagiac will travel to Allegan Wednesday for its second round match with the Tigers, who defeated Edwardsburg Monday.

Play will begin at 6 p.m.

 

Wolverine Conference Tournament

at Dowagiac

Paw Paw…2

Dowagiac…6

Halftime score

Dowagiac 2, Paw Paw 1

 

First half

D – Antonio Reynaga 23rd minute (Adrian Martinez assist)

D – Tony Solis 32nd minute (Ricardo Esparza assist)

PP – Seth Hickmott 33rd minute

 

Second half

D – Martinez 43rd minute

D – Martinez 48th minute

D – Tim Keene 60th minute (Jorge Ruiz assist)

PP – Will Gooding 65th minute

D – Martinez 72nd minute

 

Shots on goal

Paw Paw 16

Dowagiac 20

 

Saves

Paw Paw 14 (Jalen VanHoeven)

Dowagiac 13 (Paul Lamphere)

 

Corner kicks

Paw Paw 2

Dowagiac 2

 

Record

Dowagiac 9-8