The Dowagiac soccer team rallied from a one-goal deficit in the second half to earn its first win of the season Tuesday night.

The Chieftains outscored visiting Berrien Springs 2-1 in the final 40 minutes of their Wolverine Conference West Division match to earn a 2-1 win over the Shamrocks.

Dowagiac was coming off an 8-0 loss to Vicksburg Monday night, so first-year coach Craig Black was pleased with his squad’s effort.

“That’s a must-needed win to help get the girls’ spirits up,” he said. “Especially after yesterday going up and playing a great Vicksburg team. So we were looking forward to this.”

Dowagiac, which has only 16 girls listed on its roster, suffered another injury today to senior Maggie Cripe. The Chieftains now have five players who are injured, some of which may not return until much later this season.

“We don’t have any subs,” Black said. “But hopefully a couple of them will come back later in the season.”

After Berrien Springs took a 1-0 lead in the 43rd minute off a penalty kick, Dowagiac responded quickly with a pair of goals just six minutes apart.

Christina Preston tied the game at 1-1 in the 57th minute and then Cali Rank scored the game-winner in the 63rd minute.

The Chieftains held an 11-4 advantage in shots on goal with keeper Jessica Ausra being credited with three saves.

“They played well,” Black said. “We got unlucky on that penalty kick. They kept their spirit up and their heart up and it finally paid off. They are getting better every game. That’s all I asked of them at the beginning of the season.”

 

Berrien Springs…1

Dowagiac…2

Halftime score

Berrien Springs 0, Dowagiac 0

 

Second half

BS – Eden Perozo 43rd minute (penalty kick)

D – Christina Preston 57th minute

D – Cali Rank 63rd minute

 

Shots on goal

Berrien Springs 4

Dowagiac 11

 

Saves

Dowagiac 2 (Jessica Ausra)

Berrien Springs 3