After two straight losses ended its early-season momentum, the Reeths-Puffer boys soccer team really needed a win on Thursday.
So the Rockets went out and worked hard to get it, collecting two goals from senior Nick Clemens en route to an exciting 3-2 victory over Jenison in O-K Green conference play.
The game was tight from start to finish, with penalties playing a key role.
Reeths-Puffer got on the board in the first minute of play when London Carpenter intercepted a pass in the Jenison zone and got the ball to Clemens, who found the back of the net for a breakaway goal.
Nick Clemens
Jenison tied the score on a penalty kick goal about 10 minutes later.
Carpenter added a goal of his own before halftime, with an assist from Cohen Beck, and R-P led 2-1 at the break.
Jenison scored another penalty kick goal about midway through the second half, tying the game 2-2.
The visiting Wildcats were hurt with about 15 minutes left when a player received a red card, forcing his team to play out the rest of the game one player short.
London Carpenter
The Rockets then received a penalty kick with 1:11 left and Clemens buried the shot to seal the victory for R-P.
Reeths-Puffer had a decisive 13-4 edge in shots on goal.
The Rockets were led defensively by Ian Wright, Kaden Vanderlaan and Andrew Eilers.
R-P improved to 5-2-1 overall and 3-1 in conference play.
“I was very proud of the boys tonight,” said R-P Coach Kody Harrell. “We dealt with a ton of adversity, so it was great to see them take care of business in the areas we’ve focused on in the past week.”