Elks open soccer season with tie on road

EAST GRAND RAPIDS — The Elk Rapids boys soccer team took to the road on Friday, opening the season against the East Grand Rapids Pioneers and coming away with a 1-1 tie.

The Elks struck first, scoring midway through the first half on a perfectly placed pass from Josh Vandeveer to Preston Ball who dribbled by a Pioneer defender for the goal. The Elks’ backline played strong defensively, sending the teams into halftime with the Elks holding the 1-0 advantage. The teams continued to battle in the second half. The Pioneers tied the score on a corner kick with 15 minutes remaining in the game. A late goal for the Elks by Landen Knight was waved off as a hand ball, ending the game with the tie.

“We all felt like we should have won that game. It was a bit frustrating to watch some of our best ball handlers struggle with their footwork, but our backline held strong for us. The game was just four days after our first practice. I feel we are moving in the right direction,” said Elk Rapids varsity soccer coach Nate Plum. 

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