For the Daily Journal
Neither rain, unfamiliar turf, nor the Greenwood could stop the Greenwood Christian boys soccer team Monday night.
Senior forward Griffin Huizinga scored two first-half goals to lead the Cougars past Greenwood, 3-0.
This was a big win for Class A No. 7 GCA in what it considers a rivalry game.
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“It was a good game for us. We’re getting tuned up for sectionals next week,” said assistant coach Jason Noel. “These last couple of games, we want to keep fine-tuning everything and be ready when (sectionals) come.”
That was apparent from the start as the Cougars controlled the game, keeping the ball on the Woodmen’s side of the pitch.
Huizinga scored his first goal in the 19th minute off of a steal.
A mere three minutes later, Huizinga got his second goal — and he could probably thank the wet conditions for that one.
Huizinga got off his shot and it appeared to be stopped by Greenwood goalie Cole Mahan, but the ball slithered past his gloves and dribbled into the net.
That was the kind of night it was for the Woodmen (3-11-1), who dropped their fifth straight contest.
Greenwood appeared to score early in the second half, but the goal was disallowed due to an offside call that angered the Woodmen players, coaches and fans.
That goal might have changed the Cougars’ tempo, but probably not the outcome.
“I think we played well,” Huizinga said. “It was our first time on turf, and with the rain it was interesting.”
Huizinga collected his 21st and 22nd goals of the season and his ninth multi-goal performance.
Senior Daniel Wilson scored the final Cougar goal.
“Our seniors guided this team,” Noel said. “We were composed and there was never any signs of fear.”
Greenwood Christian, winner of three straight, improved to 11-3.
The Cougars finish the regular season against Indianapolis Lutheran on Thursday, while the Woodmen play Southwestern (Shelbyville) on Wednesday.
