Ermatinger Lives the Dream for LCCHS Soccer

By Jeff Steers
JTV Sports

(June 16, 2024 7:30 AM ET) During a 20-minute span, Lumen Christi Catholic High School goalie Izzy Ermatinger played the best soccer of her life.

She made a save with 12 seconds remaining in the second overtime against Kalamazoo Christian to keep the Titans tied at 1-all.

Ermatinger was the first to kick a shootout goal – despite being a goalie – and calmly made it look easy.

Finally, she stopped three-of-four shootout attempts from Kalamazoo Christian giving the Titans a 2-1 win and its first state title in girls’ Division 4 soccer.

Ermatinger plans to attend Central Michigan University next fall and not continue to play soccer – at least college soccer.

If Friday is her last memory of competitive soccer, what a way to go out.

“That is something that I always thought about … and it came true today,” Ermatinger said of winning a state title for her school.

After stopping the third of four shootout attempts by KCHS, the senior – now graduate – from Lumen Christi failed to realize the game was over. The Titans had converted on three-of-four shootout goals to earn the win.

“I really did not know (the match was over) … I thought someone else had to shoot.”

Lumen Christi started the season 5-7 but responded with nine consecutive wins to take the state title. The Titans outscored opponents 32-3 during that nine-game span.

“Our coach (Blake Newman-Gillig) gave us a hard schedule (on purpose) this season,” Ermatinger said. “It really prepared us for hard games like this.”

Ermatinger started in goal for the Titans the last four seasons. This year she averaged just under 1.8 goals per game for the Titans and will more than likely earn all-state honors in Division 4.

She credits her coach and teammates for their success over the years.

“I would not want anyone else coaching me,” Ermatinger said. “(My defense) did a great job of clearing the ball out of the zone all year.”

Ermatinger – like most goalies – has a superstition before each half and when the Titans score. She touched the middle of the goal and the left and right post.

“I touch the middle as a Hail Mary and left and right post as Our Father (prayers),” Ermatinger said. “It helps calm me down.”

For more than 100 minutes in a competitive situation last Friday, it appears as if everything worked for the LCCHS goalie and team.