The Grand Rapids Community College men’s soccer team’s unbeaten streak has reached seven games after their recent road trip, where they managed to grab two wins while drawing one. After starting the season 0-3-1, the Raiders have suddenly moved up to 5-3-2, while maintaining a 2-0-1 conference record.
The first game of the road trip was in Kirtland, Ohio against Lakeland Community College. Lakeland struck first with a goal just four minutes into the game, but that would be the highlight of the afternoon for them, as the Raiders eventually found their footing and controlled the rest of the match.
Although the only goal for GRCC in the first half was a penalty, it was a lopsided 45 minutes. GRCC outshot Lakeland 13-4 in the first half, signifying the Raiders were controlling the offensive side of the ball. This proved true in the second half, as the Raiders were en route to four second-half goals, to give themselves a 5-1 victory, their second largest of the season.
In the second game of the three-game road trip, the Raiders took on a familiar foe, Jackson College, who GRCC had the best of, beating them 7-0 for their first win of the season on Sept. 11. The game went a lot differently this time around compared to the first meeting between the two schools. GRCC was able to hold Jackson to zero goals like last game, but instead of scoring seven times, the Raiders themselves managed to be shutout, the first time since Aug. 26.
GRCC managed to get 10 shots on target, but all 10 were saved by the Jackson goalkeeper. The second half was a yellow card frenzy for GRCC, as six different players each received a yellow, while only two on Jackson were booked. A frustrating game for the Raiders offensively, but yet another defensive showcase for GRCC.
The last game of the road trip was against Marian University-Ancilla in Donaldson, Indiana. Similar to the game against Jackson, this was another strong defensive game for both teams. However, a goal by sophomore Cristian Diaz gave the Raiders a 1-0 lead in the 30th minute.
Despite being outshot, the goal by Diaz was all the Raiders needed, as the defense was able to hold yet another team to a shutout. It was the fourth time all season the Raiders were able to shut out their opponent.
“Seven games without a loss is something we are proud of, we would be more excited if we would not have tied games we should have won,” stated head coach Damiekco Smith. “But we are a different team than when we first started, a lot of guys have been stepping up.
After the road trip, the Raiders have officially crossed the halfway point of the season, Smith was asked if he was happy with his team’s play so far this season.
“Not happy, potentially we should have been 8-1. We let a couple games slip away from us, but I’ll take it. It’s not how you start but how you finish.”
The Raiders will try and carry their momentum into their next game against Muskegon Community College on Friday, Oct. 4 at 2 p.m. at the Midwest United complex in Kentwood. GRCC has six games remaining on the schedule, five of which are at home. The final home stretch will play a key part on whether or not the Raiders will make the playoffs.
