MUSKEGON TWP. - Based on the records so far this season, it looked like Tuesday might be the night for the Reeths-Puffer girls soccer team to end its very long winless streak against archrival Mona Shores.
The Rockets came into the game with a 4-2-1 record while the Sailors were 2-5.
But Mona Shores scored the first two goals, and suddenly the team records meant very little.
The Rockets kept fighting back, but could not dig out of the early hole, especially after a second half injury to their starting goalkeeper, and ultimately fell 4-2 at R-P’s Eric Marcil Field.
R-P's Payton Ohs (2) races for the loose ball. Photo/Daniel Dunn
The loss continues a difficult stretch in the rivalry for the Rockets, who have not defeated the Sailors since at least 2017, according to Michigan High School Athletic Association records.
“We just kind of dug ourselves into a deeper hole this time,” said R-P head coach Kody Harrell. “Really good teams – you can’t give two-goal leads to.”
On the other hand, Harrell said his group showed the kind of resilience that strong teams build on over time.
“I’m really proud of how the girls are responding,” Harrell said. “I think that's a championship character to respond the way we did, and then to do it multiple times in the same game.”
Mona Shores opened the scoring midway through the first half on a free kick goal with 16:03 remaining, then extended its lead minutes later to make it 2-0.
R-P's Lexie Danz battles for possession. Photo/Daniel Dunn
Rather than letting the early deficit define the game, the Rockets answered late in the half.
With 6:11 remaining before halftime, R-P's Lexie Danz found the back of the net off an assist from Mackenzie Danz, cutting the deficit to 2-1 at halftime.
That response reflected the same resilience the Rockets displayed in last week’s draw with Caledonia, and continued a trend Harrell said speaks to the team’s developing identity.
Early in the second half, however, the game shifted again.
Freshman goalkeeper Ava Callender exited the game after taking a cleat to the body about nine minutes into the half, forcing senior Sara Carlson into goalkeeping duties and altering both the defensive rotation and midfield structure.
“It naturally is going to change things,” Harrell said. “But fortunately for us, Sarah’s played a lot of goalkeeper. Really what hurt more was that maybe mentally she was not expecting to play goalie tonight.”
R-P's Abby Hill (7), who scored a goal in the game. Photo/Daniel Dunn
Shortly after the substitution, Mona Shores extended its lead to 3-1, creating another uphill battle for the Rockets.
Once again, Reeths-Puffer answered.
With 19:19 remaining, R-P’s Abby Hill launched a long-distance strike into the net to pull the Rockets back within one goal at 3-2.
But Mona Shores added an insurance goal on a header with 15:47 remaining to extend the lead to 4-2.
Carlson made a late save in goal to keep the margin at two goals for the balance of the game.
R-P goalkeeper Sara Carlson boots the ball into play. Photo/Daniel Dunn
Harrell said the Rockets created offensive opportunities throughout the night, but needed to be more aggressive in finishing around the box.
“We just have to be a little bit hungrier,” he said. “You can’t score if you don’t shoot. Sometimes we’re taking that extra touch instead of just getting the shot off.”
With another meeting against Mona Shores approaching in just a few weeks, Harrell emphasized that the opportunity to reverse the trend is still very much within reach.
The final result of any prior games will not matter when the two teams meet again, he said.
“Nothing we've done or they’ve done in the season matters when Puffer and Shores play,” he said. “That’s any good rivalry in any sport.”