BRIDGMAN — The Dowagiac soccer team edged Bridgman 2-1 in its season opener Thursday afternoon.

Dowagiac got goals from Jorge Ruiz in the fifth minute and Hazen McMeeken in the 59th minute, which was the match-winner.

The Chieftains (1-0) led 1-0 at halftime.

Bridgman’s Adam Klug scored in the 49th minute to knot the match at 1-1.

Dowagiac outshot Bridgman 20-4. Nate Michaels had three saves for the Chieftains. Matt Englund had 13 saves for the Bees.

“We played well,” Dowagiac coach Mike Williams said. “The first half was much better than the second as far as ball movement goes. We were missing four starters for a variety of reasons. We had people step up and play well, especially our center-mids.”

Dowagiac… 2

Bridgman …1

Halftime score

Dowagiac 1, Bridgman 0

First half

D – Jorge Ruiz 5th minute

Second half

B – Adam Klug 49th minute

D – Hazen McMeeken 59th minute

Shots on goal

Dowagiac 20

Bridgman 4

Saves

Dowagiac 3 (Nate Michaels)

Bridgman 13 (Matt Englund)