The Nest, Inside Orchard View Athletics
By: Justin Troyer
Presented by: Cadena Brothers Pizzeria
Muskegon, MI — The Orchard View boys soccer team is starting to find its rhythm.
The Cardinals made it two straight wins Wednesday night, shutting out visiting Manistee 2-0 just two days after earning a 2-1 road victory over North Muskegon.
Orchard View continued right where it left off on Monday, playing with energy and confidence while putting together another strong defensive performance.
The Cardinals opened the scoring in the first half when junior K’yeon James found the back of the net with a header off a corner kick from junior Caleb Bennett, giving Orchard View a 1-0 advantage heading into halftime.
The Cardinals added to the lead in the second half.
Senior Leon Blackston scored to make it 2-0, with sophomore Kayden Nickish providing the assist.
Defensively, the Cardinals once again turned in a strong performance. Bryson Stingle continued to lead the back line, a role he has embraced throughout the season, helping keep the defense organized and communicating with those around him. His ability to recognize when a tactical adjustment was needed and get his teammates into position helped Orchard View stay composed throughout the night. Robert Sternberg, K’yeon James and Branden Anderson each played their part in a back four that matched up well with Manistee and helped the Cardinals secure their second straight win.
In goal, Ghaige Breusch has been putting together a strong stretch of his own. After allowing a goal in the first half at North Muskegon, Breusch has kept the Cardinals’ opponents off the scoreboard for the last three halves, a stretch of more than 120 minutes of shutout soccer.
Belasco said the back-to-back victories are a sign that the team is beginning to come together.
“Good back-to-back wins. The boys are starting to gel and work as a team,” Belasco said. “They’re starting to communicate and make tactical changes in game.”
That progress will be put to the test quickly.
Orchard View is in the middle of a demanding stretch that features three games in five days. With two of those games now in the books, the Cardinals face a quick turnaround as they travel to Grant for a 4:30 p.m. matchup Thursday.
Despite the demanding schedule, Belasco said the team has continued to bring energy to the field each day.
“The boys know it is going to be a tough week with three games, but they have been bringing great energy to the field every day,” Belasco said.
Two games. Two wins.
For the first time this season, the Cardinals have put together consecutive victories, and the team’s growing communication, leadership and ability to make adjustments on the field are becoming important pieces of that success.
Community Partners: Poo Patrol Muskegon, Great Lakes Nutrition
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