By Jason Wesseldyk
Sports Editor
SOUTH HAVEN—Some solid play on the defensive end coupled with a timely goal.
That proved to be a winning combination for the Allegan boys soccer team as it opened postseason play with a Division 3 district opener against host South Haven on Friday, Oct. 14.
Keeper Hayes Kavanagh spearheaded the defensive effort for the Tigers, while Jesus Aguirre accounted for the goal in the 1-0 Allegan win.
With the victory, the Tigers (12-5-1) advanced to a district semifinal against Holland Christian (14-1-3) on Tuesday, Oct. 18. The winner of that game will square off with the winner of the Fennville/Delton Kellogg semifinal for the district championship on Thursday, Oct. 20, at 6 p.m. in South Haven.
Allegan coach Aaron Rogers felt relieved his team was able to survive against the Rams.
“South Haven battled just as hard as we did throughout the game, making it a really great feeling to take the win,” Rogers said. “It was truly a back-and-forth struggle to own space in the center of the field.
“The team that owned it in the moment, owned the momentum of play.”
The game remained scoreless throughout the first half and well into the second half. Then, with about 17 minutes left to play, Aguirre found the back of the net off an assist from freshman Donnie Allen.
That was all the support Kavanagh would need, as he turned away all eight shots he faced to secure the shutout and help keep Allegan’s season alive.
“Both teams had some really great opportunities on goal, but we were the fortunate team to put the only goal of the day in the back of the net,” Rogers said.
Rogers praised the play of center backs Joe Kavanagh and Morgan Rife.
“Those guys were tremendous from start to finish,” Rogers said.
Rogers knew Holland Christian would pose a substantial challenge for his squad.
“Holland Christian will be of our toughest opponents this season,” Rogers said following the South Haven win. “So, we need to be in best form to take the win.”