By By DON EDEN / Niles Daily Star
EDWARDSBURG – The Lakeland Conference championship was at stake Monday evening as host Edwardsburg outlasted Brandywine 2-1 in girls soccer.
The first half proved to be the difference as the Eddies scored both tallies and outshot the visitors 13-5 as they dominated play, but the second half was nearly equal with the Bobcats scoring the only goal.
"We needed more intensity in the first half, but played a great second half and very proud of the girls," stated Brandywine coach Evan Winkler. "Edwardsburg is a great team and I was impressed how they came to play and congratulations to them for winning conference."
Senior Amanda Mooth of the Eddies (11-1-1, 6-1) sent a 25-yard shot just over Brandywine senior goalie Katie Smallwood's outstretched fingers with 13:20 showing on the scoreboard.
Another senior, Samantha Brousseau, took a pass from Mooth and controlled the ball from 15 yards out and with a pair of Bobcat defenders chasing her found an opening past Smallwood with just under 10 minutes remaining.
"That was a big goal by Brousseau which turned out to be the game winner as she buried her opportunity and is getting better toward the end of the year," noted Edwardsburg coach Ryan Rosenkranz. "Brandywine played us very tough as both games were decided by only one goal."
Winkler's pep talk inspired the Bobcats (6-7-2, 3-3) as the second half was hard fought with every possession precious and senior Emily Low capitalized on a pass from sophomore Nicole Newman to narrow the lead in half.
The final four shots from Brandywine were from 25 yards or further, which Eddie junior goalie Christina Hans caught to claim the conference crown for the first time.
"I knew the talent was there and winning the conference is always a goal but these girls get along better on and off the field than any other team," said Rosenkranz. "This will set a precedent for the younger girls as it is not easy to win this conference."
Brandywine has a chance to finish second for the first time with a home game against Buchanan Thursday (4 p.m.) and a battle with Bridgman next week.
"The girls played hard, I'm very proud of them, pleased with everything and encouraged to finish the season on a high note," added Winkler. "This is a young team and they are getting better every game and jelling at the right time with districts not too far away."
The Edwardsburg junior varsity will have a chance to revenge an earlier defeat as they host Kalamazoo Christian on Tuesday. "These girls know when to be serious and when to have fun," concluded Rosenkranz.
Brandywine…1
Edwardsburg…2
First Half
Amanda Mooth (ED) 14th minute
Samantha Brousseau (ED) Mooth assist 31st minute
Shots Edwardsburg 13, Brandywine 5
Saves Christina Hans (ED) 2, Katie Smallwood (BR) 3
Corner Kicks Edwardsburg 2, Brandywine 1
Second Half
Emily Low (BR) Nicole Newman assist 47th minute
Shots Edwardsburg 7 (20), Brandywine 5 (10)
Saves Hans 3 (5), Smallwood 4 (7)
Corner Kicks Edwardsburg 1, Brandywine 0