Goodrich’s boys soccer squad ran into a formidable foe as they wrap up the regular season.
The Martians dropped a 2-1 contest against host Swartz Creek in an Oct. 13 contest. Goodrich fell to 9-3-2 overall.
The Martians scored first about 1/4 of the way into the game, as senior Andrew Hyder fired a cross pass to senior Ryan Mortimer to put the Martians up 1-0.
Swartz Creek scored both their goals in the second half on free kicks to win the game.
Goodrich coach Nigel Barnett said Swartz Creek was a top-notch foe, and the Martians were up to the challenge.
‘They’re a well-disciplined team,? Barnett said of Swartz Creek. ‘Our defense played phenomenal. It was the best defense I’ve ever seen from them. (Senior) Justin Sontag played particularly well.?
Seniors Nick McDonald and Mark Mayberry combined for their fifth shutout in six games as the Martians defeated visiting Mt. Morris 5-0 on Oct. 9.
Hyder and senior Brian Bourcier scored two goals each for the Martians, while Brian Eisinger added one.
The Martians are now gearing up for the opening of district competition on Monday, Oct. 20. Goodrich, which is the host school for their district, will take on Mt. Morris in first-round action.
If the Martians win that game, they will take on the winner of the North Branch-Frankenmuth game in the regional semifinals Wednesday, Oct. 22. The regional finals will be held Friday, Oct. 24.
Barnett said Frankenmuth, LakeVille and Lake Fenton will be the toughest competition facing the Martians in their quest for the district crown.