BIG RAPIDS ― The soccer ball did not bounce in the right net for Big Rapids Crossroads on Thursday.
It might not have glanced off the intended player but it still ended in the right net for Reed City and the result was a 4-2 nonleague victory for the Coyotes over Crossroads at Mitchell Creek Sports Complex.
Two Coyote scores hit off of Crossroad players. Reed City led 4-1 at halftime and Crossroads scored the only goal in the second half.
“Set plays were definitely the difference in the game,” said Crossroads coach Ross Meads. “They’ve got a guy who can throw the ball in and throw it a long way. They used it. They scored twice off the throw-in and we gave them two own goals.”
Pete Wissink scored for the Cougars early in the first half. Crossroads scored with 23:52 left in the game on a shot by Andrew Duddles.
Noah Balanda was keeper for Crossroads.
“I was very pleased,” Meads said. “We got down on some early goals, came back and outscored them 1-0 in the second half. As a coach, I can’t ask for more than that.”
“Crossroads is a good team,” Reed City coach Dave Mix said. “I’m glad we don’t have to play them again.”
Crossroads is 5-4.