Boys Soccer Makes History: Cardinals Top North Muskegon 2-1

The Nest, Inside Orchard View Athletics
Justin Troyer
Presented by: Brightway Insurance, Ethan Flores Agency

North Muskegon, MI — For years, Orchard View boys soccer has been building toward moments like Monday night.

On Monday, the Cardinals finally broke through.

Orchard View defeated North Muskegon 2-1 on the road, securing its first victory over the Norsemen since joining the West Michigan Conference in 2023. The win also marked the Cardinals’ first victory over North Muskegon since 2004, making the result even more significant against a Norsemen squad that entered the night ranked No. 5 in Division 4.

It was a victory built on composure, timely scoring and a defensive effort that refused to break.

The Cardinals found themselves trailing early when North Muskegon struck first, putting Orchard View behind 1-0.

Rather than allowing the early goal to dictate the night, the Cardinals settled in.

Anchoring the Orchard View defense was a young back line featuring junior Bryson Stingle, junior K'yeon James, sophomore Robert Sternberg and freshman Branden Anderson.

For James, the transition to varsity soccer has been a remarkable one. After not playing organized soccer since elementary school, the junior has quickly become an important part of the Cardinal defense. Much of James' athletic background has come on the basketball court, but Coach Chris Belasco believes that athleticism is translating quickly to the soccer field.

“He's a natural,” Belasco said.

James, Sternberg and Anderson have continued to learn what it takes to compete at the varsity level, and Monday night presented perhaps their biggest defensive challenge of the season.

Behind them, Cardinal goalkeeper Ghaige Bruesch continued to make his presence felt.

Save after save, Bruesch kept Orchard View within striking distance as North Muskegon looked to extend its lead.

Then the Cardinals found their answer.

Senior Wyatt Johnson delivered the equalizer midway through the first half, displaying the senior leadership and composure that the Cardinals have been working toward throughout the season.

The goal changed the momentum.

Moments later, junior DeSafiar Lyons found the back of the net, sending a shot past the North Muskegon keeper to give Orchard View a 2-1 lead.

And this time, the Cardinals would not give it back.

“We've been building for years,” Belasco said. “Staying mentally locked in — our saying is W.I.N., ‘What's Important Now.’ This year we are preaching consistency and composure as the next steps in that growth.”

North Muskegon turned up the pressure as the game moved along, searching for the equalizer.

But the Cardinal defense repeatedly stepped into passing lanes, closed down opportunities and refused to allow the Norsemen clean looks at the goal.

And when North Muskegon did manage to create an opening, Bruesch was there.

The senior goalkeeper came up with several timely saves to preserve the Cardinal advantage and reward the defensive effort in front of him.

For Bruesch, the key after North Muskegon's early goal was making sure the Cardinals didn't allow one moment to become the story of the game.

He talked to his teammates about their attitude and body language, reminding them that there was still plenty of soccer left to play.

That mindset proved to be critical.

“It feels good to be able to put a game like that together,” Bruesch said.

The Cardinals held their ground through the final whistle, securing the 2-1 victory and a piece of history for the program.

The win represents more than another mark in the win column.

Since joining the West Michigan Conference, North Muskegon has been a difficult opponent for Orchard View. Monday night's result finally gave the Cardinals their breakthrough against the Norsemen.

Now, with the state tournament approaching, Orchard View has an opportunity to build on the performance.

Bruesch said the Cardinals want to continue stacking good games together and use the victory as momentum for the remainder of the season.

For a team that has spent years learning how to stay mentally locked in, play with consistency and develop composure, Monday night provided a perfect example of what those lessons can produce.

The Cardinals didn't just win a soccer game Monday night. They showed the growth of a program — and finally broke through against North Muskegon.

Pictures: #11 Sr. Wyatt Johnson, #0 Jr. Ghaige Bruesch, #22 Jr. DaSafair Lyon

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