The Brandywine soccer team edged visiting Cassopolis 2-1 to finish third in the Lakeland Conference.

The Bobcats scored a pair of first half goals and then held on for the victory Wednesday.

“I think they (Cassopolis) stepped it up a little big and we were a bit more cautious,” Brandywine coach Evan Winkler said of the second half. “But we really grinded it out on defense and forced them to work for their shots.”

Winkler said he felt his team won the match during a 10-minute stretch in the opening half.

The Bobcats got goals in the 33rd and 38th minute to take a 2-0 lead at halftime.

Dominic Stella opened the scoring with an unassisted goal and Zach Schmidt scored five minutes later off an assist from Alex Ulrickson, which turned out to be the game-winner.

Brandywine keeper Brock Hartline stopped several shots during the opening five minutes of the match. He finished with 10 stops for the Bobcats.

“Those were huge,” Winkler said. “If he doesn’t make those saves, who knows what would have happened.”

Cassopolis cut the lead to 2-1 in the 44th minute when Vinny Sopaseuth scored.

The Rangers would have a couple of more chances, but could not get the ball past Hartline.

Brandywine finished with an 11-4 advance in shots on goal.

The Bobcats will wrap up the regular season against visiting Marcellus Saturday. Brandywine will honor its seniors in the match, which is slated to begin at noon.

On Monday, the Bobcats will open Division 3 District play at former Lakeland Conference foe Berrien Springs with a match against the Shamrocks. Play is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m.

The winner advances to face South Haven Wednesday. The Rams will travel to either Brandywine or Berrien Springs.

 

Cassopolis…1

Brandywine…2

Halftime

Brandywine 2, Cassopolis 0

 

First half

BW – Dominic Stella 33 minute

BW – Zach Schmidt 38th minute (Alex Ulrickson assist)

 

Second half

C –Vinny Sopaseuth 44th minute

 

Shots on goal

Cassopolis 11

Brandywine 4

 

Saves

Cassopolis 2 (Kelvin Curtis)

Brandywine 10 (Brock Hartline)