In an evenly matched game, all it takes is for one player to get free in order to change the outcome.

That was the case for FHC’s varsity soccer team in a tough, hard-fought game.

The Rangers lost to East Grand Rapids 1-0 in a physical game at home, which saw multiple yellow cards handed out to both sides. The Rangers (2-2 overall) return to action Friday at home against Rockford.

FHC coach Blair Lincoln thought EGR was working harder, while FHC came out a little flat.

“They played with heart, they played hard, they played like this was a rivalry game,” Lincoln said. “We came out a little flat, and we looked a little uninspired but our chances were there, we just couldn’t put one in tonight. They had more chances, and it kept us off the board by working harder than we did. It wasn’t our night tonight.”

Senior captain Noah Saleh may have had the closest chance for FHC. With a free kick outside the box, the EGR goalkeeper made a near-goal save.

When Noah reflected on his strike, he said, “Yeah I definitely thought it was going in. The goalie barely got a touch on it, so I was hoping it would go in.”

EGR broke the deadlock with 3 minutes to go. EGR capitalized off of a mistake in the midfield, leading to a goal.

“We failed to transition quickly,” Noah said. “We lost the ball in the middle, they played it out wide, and they just took the shot.”

FHC’s other senior captain, Kevin Conn, was impressed by the physicality of EGR’s defense.

“EGR was very organized in the back,” Kevin said. “They didn’t let balls through. It was very hard to get through their back line.”

This physical play was a big key to keeping FHC off the scoreboard.

“It took us a while to respond,” Kevin said. “First half it hit us, second half I think we took a different mentality, and came back out at the half differently. We just didn’t win the game.”

Looking ahead to the next game, Coach Lincoln gave his keys to getting a win.

“I think number one is finding the back of the net,” Lincoln said. “Can’t win games if you don’t score a goal or multiple goals, and you got to keep them off the board. Rockford will come in physical. They will be talking a lot, so we have to make sure we match their intensity.”

Kevin echoed those keys for the upcoming game.

“Communication, and we’ve got to score,” Kevin said. “I think that’s one of the biggest things. If we can score, I think we will get it done.”