Despite holding an 18-5 advantage in shots on goal, the Dowagiac soccer team dropped a 5-2 Wolverine Conference Tournament decision to host Berrien Springs Wednesday.

Jorge Ruiz had a goal and an assist for the Chieftains, who face the Shamrocks again Monday in the opening round of the Division 3 District Tournament.

Ricardo Esparaza scored the other goal, while Tony Solis picked up an assist.

“As you can see the shot ratio is lopsided,” Dowagiac coach Mike Williams said. “Our defense did not play well and allowed them to capitalize on four out of their  five shots. Their other goal was a penalty kick.

“Our offense did a good job attacking and getting shots, but their keeper Christian Haack is the toughest keeper to score on. We play them again on Monday for districts and our defense needs to step it up or our season will be over.”

 

Berrien Springs…5

Dowagiac…2

Halftime score

Berrien Springs 3, Dowagiac 0

 

Dowagiac goals

Jorge Ruiz (Tony Solis assist)

Ricardo Esparaza (Ruiz assist

 

Shots on goal

Berrien springs 5

Dowagiac 18