WHAT HAPPENED:

Grand Haven lost to Midland Dow 3-1 on Saturday, putting up a hard fought battle on the boys’ annual senior night. Two goals from Midland Dow early on in the first half put the Bucs at a disadvantage.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN:

Grand Haven moves to 5-4-4 and remains fourth in the O-K Red Conference. The out-of-conference loss will not affect the Bucs’ standing in the O-K Red but will challenge them as they prepare for playoffs. 

KEY PLAYERS:

• Senior midfielder Gavin Jonker proved to be a threat to Midland Dow throughout the game as he controlled and distributed the ball nicely with several shots on goal.
• Senior outside midfielder Jaden King worked with Jonker to provide momentum for the Bucs downfield. King’s ball movement in opponent territory allowed him to get several shots on goal as well. 
• Junior goalkeeper Jack Kurburski provided tremendous coverage of the net for much of the first and second half. 

KEY MOMENT:

Goalkeeper Jack Kurburski saved a top shelf shot from a Midland Dow offender in the first half to keep the Bucs within two goals. 

THEY SAID IT:

• “We weren’t on our level that we usually play at,” King and Jonker said. “The energy wasn’t there.”
• “We just have to be able to score,” Kurburski said. “We have shown we can hold possession we just have to keep the ball out of the net and score.” 

WHAT’S NEXT:

Grand Haven jumps back into conference play on Tuesday next week against East Kentwood at 7:15 p.m.