The challenge of mid-season success beyond one’s anticipation is the void of accomplishment.
That’s where the Lowell boys soccer team finds itself.
Yes, the Lowell boys’ soccer team is 11-0-1, atop the O-K White, and ranked second in the state in Division 2, but what does that get it? Absolutely nothing. No conference championship, no district title, no deep run into the playoffs.
The great start gives hope to rising expectations and nothing more.
The carrot, is there’s still a lot to accomplish, and Red Arrow soccer coach Rich O’Keefe and his players seemingly understand that.
“We know nothing has been accomplished yet and this group of players remains grounded and understands what needs to be done each game to achieve a good outcome,” O’Keefe said. “They understand the outcome of a game is the direct result of playing to one’s capabilities, remaining committed to the system, and playing with an unselfishness.”
Through 12 games Lowell has averaged 4.5 goals a game while allowing just one goal per game.
The Red Arrows list of wins includes wins over Rockford, Grand Rapids Christian, and East Grand Rapids.
O’Keefe labels the win over Christian as the indicator game. “That win showed where this team is at. It showed the boys’ ability to persevere in a difficult situation, to continue to work hard in a tough situation,” Lowell’s coach explained.
The schedule that lies ahead is as daunting as the list of victories that preceded it were impressive.
Lowell has a non conference game against, Forest Hills Central, one of West Michigan’s top soccer programs. It is the last opportunity on the schedule to make a statement against a successful, bigger school.
‘It is an important game and will be another indicator of where we are as a program,” O’Keefe said.
The game against the Rangers is the first of a rugged four-game slate that will determine supremacy in the O-K White. Following its game with FHC, Lowell will begin round two of conference play against Christian, EGR and Northview.
The start has definitely been fun. With fun has come a little more pressure to solidify the mid-season success and punctuate it with the measurables… a conference title and a lengthy post-season run.
Lowell 2, Zeeland East 1
A Division 1 goalie performance nearly erased a well played game by Lowell.
“Zeeland bent but didn’t break. When it did break, their goalie made six outstanding stops,” said Lowell soccer coach Rich O”Keefe.
The Red Arrows scored the game’s first goal when Tyler Pawlowski creased the net on an assist from Joe Sweet.
Zeeland tied the game in the second half on a goal from Nicco Catotosto.
The game’s winning goal was recorded when Kyle Bowers found Spencer Lyon for Lowell’s game-winning goal.
