After an 0-4 start on the season, the boys varsity soccer team decided it was time for a change. Energy and desire to compete on game day had to start with the energy and desire to compete on the pitch during practice. The practice before the Rangers’ matchup against West Catholic was a very vital couple of hours. 

This particular game was an odd one for the Rangers, as they faced their first non-conference opponent of the season. They played an overall solid game that led to a 2-1 win over the Falcons.

“The boys came out firing on all cylinders,” head coach Paul Kramer said. “With some formation change and some new players in the starting lineup, the pressure offensively along with defensive toughness was a sight to behold in the first half.” 

The first goal in an exciting series of events was scored by sophomore Noah Gleason, making it his fourth goal of the season. This goal was thanks to the relentless pressure of the offense that led to the 20th-minute score.

The second half was more of the same, as the Falcons saw that same defensive and offensive pressure from the Rangers. Junior Ben Taylor had the integral assisting ball from a corner kick to sophomore Lance Decker, who jumped up to the ball to place it into the back of the net. West Catholic came back and capitalized with a shot that went just past second-half goalkeeper junior Ryan Fitzgerald. From there, the Rangers put the hammer down and closed out the match 2-1. Anchoring this defensive team was junior Sam Kelly, who stopped the offensive possession of the opponent on many occasions at center defensive mid. 

This game makes the Rangers 1-4 on the season. Their next matchup is at home against Byron Center on Tuesday, September 22.