Michigan Center Defeats Defending State Soccer Champs

Michigan Center High School soccer player Carter Kosmet (4) scored a goal in a 2-0 win over Lenawee Christian on Monday at home. Photo by Jeff Steer, JTV Sports.

By Jeff Steers
JTV Sports

(August 31, 2021 7:34 AM) Michigan Center High School proved they have a pretty good football team on Monday.

Only this team uses a round ball, not a pigskin.

The Cardinals soccer team defeated the defending state champions from Lenawee Christian 2-0 at home.

With the win, the Cardinals are 4-0 on the season having outscored their opponents 26-3. 

“We have a lot of seniors who have played defense for us since their freshman season,” Coach Ray Schaife said. “They are going a great job back there.”

Goalie Michael VanRiper agrees as he made 10 saves – most of them being easy attempts.

“They make it so easy on me,” VanRiper said. “I can’t begin to tell you how many times I yell thank you (to them) for being proactive instead of reactive when a play develops for the other team.”

Michigan Center lost 3-1 to Lenawee Christian in 2020. Lenawee Christian went on to win the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 4 state title.

Scaife said the Cardinals changed their alignment creating a better defensive setup and shorter passes.

Alex Hunt scored the first goal of the game for the Cardinals. He scored at the 20 minutes mark on a rebound shot.

Lenawee Christian’s offense was pretty much silent in the first half but heated up in the second half. 

But a heady play by Carter Kosmet changed the complexion of the game. He chipped a ball over the Lenawee Christian’s goalies head at the 25-minute mark as Kosmet noticed him cheating out of the box and wandering near the 30-yard mark. 

The goal gave the Cardinals a 2-0 lead and put the sense of urgency for LCHS. It was game on for the last part of the second half.

“We both wanted to win the game so in the end, it got a bit more serious,” VanRiper said of the last 15 minutes of the game. “I call it passion as we were all getting into it the game.”