After building up a three-goal lead in the first 55 minutes of Friday’s non-league soccer match with Dowagiac, Brandywine had to hold on for dear life over the final 25 minutes.

The host Chieftains scored two goals late in the second half, but the Bobcats were able to hold on for a 3-2 victory.

Brandywine, which had suffered its first loss of the season the previous night, dominated the match through the first 55 minutes.

Cassandra Luczkowski got Brandywine on the board first in the 35th minute and Alexis made it 2-0 in the 37th minute.

Dowagiac did a good job of defending the Bobcats’ leading scorer Jaleesa Garner, but she finally got free and extended Brandywine’s lead to 3-0 with a goal in the 55th minute.

The Chieftains, who had picked up their first win of the season Thursday night, averted the shutout in the 70th minute on a goal by Sarah Long off an assist from Cali Rank.

Dowagiac then made things interesting when rank scored in the 80th minute.

Brandywine outshot Dowagiac 15-12 with Grace Younger making nine saves for the Chieftains and Sloan Kangas saving eight for the Bobcats.

 

Brandywine – 3

Dowagiac – 2

Halftime score

Brandywine 2, Dowagiac 0

 

First half

BW – Cassandra Luczkowski 35th minute

BW – Alexis Garcia 37th minute

 

Second half

BW – Jaleesa Garner 55th minute

D – Sarah Long (Cali Rank Assist) 70th minute

D – Cali Rank 80th minute

 

Shots on goal

Brandywine – 15

Dowagiac – 12

 

Saves

Dowagiac 9 (Grace Younger)

Brandywine 8 (Sloan Kangas)

 

Corner kicks

Brandywine – 5

Dowagiac – 3

 

Varsity records: Brandywine 5-1; Dowagiac 1-7