The Dux varsity soccer team lost a close match against state ranked East Grand Rapids last night, 2-3. The Dux grabbed the early lead on a Rylee Smith corner kick. Smith's delivery into the box found the foot of Sam Koppenol, whose initial shot was blocked by their goal keeper. Hannah Pleiman pounced on the rebound making it 1-0.

East Grand Rapids tied the score off of a penalty kick midway through the first half. EGR took a 2-1 lead into halftime after scoring on a corner kick of their own.

A strong start to the second half netted the Dux the equalizer, after Pleiman made a great touch and turn near midfield before delivering a ball in behind the EGR defense. Smith held off the last defender before tucking it past the keeper in a one on one inside the penalty box. 

Unfortunately, a late turnover in the defensive third with 12 minutes to play secured the win for EGR.

"East Grand Rapids is state ranked for a reason. We held our own defensively for most of the match and did a good job of managing their speed and skill on the ball. Unfortunately, we made a couple of mental mistakes in crucial moments of the match that ended up hurting us. A match like this allows us to gain confidence as we head towards the end of the season. Really proud of our effort and poise tonight, especially in the second half."