It appeared for a while that a match dominated by the Dowagiac soccer team would not go its way.

Despite a dominating performance in the first half that saw the Chieftains spend much of the 40 minutes in the offensive end, Dowagiac had just one late goal to show for it.

A pair of second half goals sealed the deal for the Chieftains, who defeated visiting Hartford 3-1 Friday.

With just over three minutes remaining in the opening half, Christina Preston finally got the Chieftains on the scoreboard.

The 1-0 halftime advantage was increased to 2-0 when Brooke Parritt moved up from her defensive spot to score in the 44th minute.

After the Indians had cut the lead to 2-1 in the 59th minute, Drew Andrade capped the scoring with a goal in the 72nd minute.

Dowagiac held a commanding 23-10 advantage in shots on goal, but the outcome of the match was in doubt until Andrade’s score.

“We played better today,” Dowagiac coach Craig Black said. “They recorded 23 shots on goal, but it looked more than 46. We added it up earlier today and so far this season we only had 22 shots on goal.”

The Chieftains could have made it a little easier, but several shots connected with the goal, but did not go in.

“I think this got them excited,” Craig said. “I have told them before, I just wanted them to improve every game. As long as we can make them better, next year we should be stronger.”

 

Hartford…1

Dowagiac…3

Halftime score

Dowagiac 1, Hartford 0

 

First half

D – Christina Preston 37th minute

 

Second half

D – Brooke Parritt 44th minute

H – 59th minute

D – Drew Andrade 72nd minute

 

Shots on goal

Hartford 10

Dowagiac 23

 

Saves

Hartford 8

Dowagiac 5 (Mara Nelson)

 

Corner kicks

Hartford 3

Dowagiac 15