The Men’s Soccer team went on an offensive tear on Sept. 10 and 13, recording two consecutive clean sheets and scoring 17 goals against Lakeland CC and Alpena CC combined. The team demonstrated its superiority on the field, leaving no doubt in opponents minds why the Ocelots are on the rise..
On Wednesday, Sept. 10, against Lakeland Community College the Ocelots cruised to a 9-0 victory. The scoring opened in the 14th minute by Devlin McGinnis, after a move created on the right side of the field, in which Giovanni Ivezaj found him making a run at the back post.
Sophomore defenseman Niko Demopolis also scored after a combination of passes with Derik Trinklein at the 20th minute putting the Ocelots up 2-0.
The team continued to put pressure on Lakelands defense and McGinnis found the net three more times (29th, 30th, and 31st minute) to make the lead 5-0. McGinnis contributed four goals total in the game..
“Scoring a hat-trick is very important and gives me confidence for the team’s next challenges.” said McGinnis. His comments underline how individual performances are fueling the Ocelots’ collective success.
Luis Maldonado came off the bench to score a goal at the 44th minute in the match, putting the Ocelots up 6-0 at the half. To start the second half Maldonado picked up where he left off and scored two more goals (47th and 61st minute) for the Ocelots, putting Schoolcraft ahead by 8.
To close the game, Ivezaj scored the ninth goal and the game ended in the 75th minute, following the new mercy rule established by the NJCAA.
With no time to rest and after two days of training, the Ocelots hit the road on Saturday, Sept. 13, to face the Lumberjacks of Alpena Community College and secured an 8-0 victory.
The Lumberjacks tried to create some unfavorable conditions for the Ocelots. The field was smaller than usual, and Alpena’s team tried to set up a defensive system that could stop Schoolcraft’s strong attack.
Fortunately, it didn’t take long for the Ocelots to open the scoring with Amar Selmic in the 15th minute. After receiving the ball from Ivezaj, and only having to push the ball into the back of the net without a goalkeeperSelmic scored his first goal of the season, making it 1-0.
In the 32nd minute, Norwegian freshman Jacob Fjellas doubled the Ocelots lead with a goal, making it 2-0.
To close the first half, Rani El Hajj Ajmad scored twice (34th and 43rd minute), for the third and fourth goals of the match. An excellent team play worked from the defense line, passing through the midfield and finding Kellen Larson running in the gap that assisted Rani who arrived shooting the ball in the goal.
In the second half, Niko Demopolis (48th minute), Kellen Larson (61st minute), Devlin McGinnis (63rd minute) extended the lead to 7-0.
Ali El-Habbab scored the ninth goal to seal the victory and end the game in the 75th minute again with the mercy rule in place.
In these last two games, the Ocelots were able to showcase their offensive prowess and achieved key victories. Defensively, the team wasn’t much tested, but their defensive players were on point and helped build-out the game plays.
With these recent results, the team now holds a 5-1 record as of Sept 16, scoring a total of 25 goals and conceding only six in six matches. Regarding these two games, Head Coach Rick Larson said,: “The last few games were brilliant and speak well about what this team will be this season. We expect to reach high goals.”
Schoolcraft will play host on Friday, Sept. 19, to Muskegon Community College and head to Cuyahoga CC on Sept 27 to continue their push for a successful season.
For game schedules and up to date stats and standings, go to www. schoolcraftocelots.com.
