On Tuesday, Iron Mountain senior Cole Davey, 36, left field, and Freeverse’s Isaac LeBoeuf, 14, collided while trying to keep possession of the ball. (Sean Chase/Daily News Photo)
KINGSFORD — After a two-week hiatus, the No. 4 ranked Kingsford University soccer team found its rhythm as it faced Iron Mountain in the MHSAA Division 3 District 33 semifinals Tuesday at Commemoral Field. It took a while.
Kingsford University senior Gavin Leydon, 13, learns to control the ball during Tuesday’s MHSAA Division 3 District 33 semifinal game against Iron Mountain at Memorial Field. (Sean Chase/Daily News Photo)
On Tuesday, Iron Mountain senior Cole Davey, 36, left field, and Freeverse’s Isaac LeBoeuf, 14, collided while trying to keep possession of the ball. (Sean Chase/Daily News Photo)
Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson after McNeil sacks Dallas Cowboys’ Dak Prescott (4) during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (age 97) and Alim McNeil (right) celebrate. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
Although the Mountaineers made the game interesting, the Flivers found their footing and won 4-0.
“We played well.” Kingsford head coach Jeff Gordon said. “We were a little rusty, which was to be expected since we hadn’t played in a while.
“You can practice as much as you want, but it’s not the same. Overall, we played well.”
Although the result didn’t end up being in Iron Mountain’s favor, head coach Greg Klass was proud of his players’ effort Tuesday. In the last two meetings this season, Kingsford has shown mercy to the Mountaineers both times.
Kingsford University senior Gavin Leydon, 13, learns to control the ball during Tuesday’s MHSAA Division 3 District 33 semifinal game against Iron Mountain at Memorial Field. (Sean Chase/Daily News Photo)
“I gave them four goals and we scored three of those four goals.” said the class. “The goal was to compete with Kingsford. Give them a fight and let them take everything they can get. Don’t relent before half-time. 3rd: ‘Never relent’, 4th. The goal is to win the game. And we didn’t win the game. But they played really hard. We lost 8-0 both times in the regular season, so we made some adjustments. … I’m proud that we worked with them and let them fight. ”
After two weeks off, Gordon expected his team to be healthy come playoff time. However, Frivers entered the game without starting goaltender Landon Adams, who was expected to be out until the end of the month due to injury.
“It’s going to go beyond districts, it’s going to go beyond regions.” Gordon said.
Also absent was senior striker Jackson Buckley, who was suspended for one game after receiving two yellow cards against Lakeland on Oct. 1.
With two key pieces down, sophomore Jonah Nelson stepped into the Kingsford goal.
“He did very well, especially for not playing that position.” Gordon added.
“He’s a great player. He’s a fighter. No matter where I put him, he goes everywhere and gives 100 percent. I’m proud of his goals. … He’s a fighter. Saved some big shots.” Gordon said.
Jett Buckley brought on Kingsford with 10 minutes left in the first half after Frivers scored a near goal. He received a pass from senior Gavin Leydon and fired a left-footed shot into the left corner of the goal, giving the Flivers a 1-0 advantage.
“It took everyone’s efforts. It’s not just one person doing this, it’s the whole team.” Gordon said. “It was really good to have (Gavin Leydon) back. I moved him around a couple of times and when we got him back it made a difference because he scored the first goal.”
As the first half ended, Iron Mountain almost scored on a corner kick. However, the ball was judged to have gone out of bounds. The Mountaineers had no more chances in the first half, with Kingsford leading by one point going into the break.
Gordon noticed something was wrong with his players and had a simple message in the first half.
“concentration,” Gordon said. “The biggest thing was focus and ball control. We have a great game plan and as long as we follow it we can play well.”
The Flivers became more focused in the second half and began to increase the pressure.
Then, with 32 minutes left, junior Noah Cameron scored on a Leydon corner kick, leaving the field wide open. He wasted no time sinking his shot past the outstretched hand of Iron Mountain’s Cade Davey, giving Kingsford a 2-0 advantage.
Sixteen minutes later, Jett Buckley broke through the Mountaineers’ right flank, fired a shot across the box and into the left corner of the goal. Davie couldn’t react in time and the lead expanded to three points.
Buckley gave the Flivars some breathing room in the final minute and scored a late goal to complete his hat trick.
The loss marks the end of the road for Iron Mountain seniors Brayden Rodriguez, Benjamin Truong, Dylan Lindgren, Cole Davey and Zach Parise.
“For me, that was really important because the seniors have played so hard over the years.” said the class. “It means a lot to guys like Zach (Paris), Dylan (Lindgren), Ben (Trueong). It was really important to see them be able to fight until the end and play hard. . They’re all sad now that their football careers are over. But I think they can shut up and say, ‘I went out dressed up.’
Although the result didn’t go in the Mountaineers’ favor, Klass is still rooting for the Flyvers to continue their run in the playoffs.
“Kingsford is a great team. I wish them the best of luck and hope they win the state championship.” said the class. “That would be super cool. I told Mr. Gordon that and said, ‘Win it all.'”
Kingsford will play Grayling in the MHSAA Division 3 District 33 final Saturday at 1 p.m. at Memorial Field, and Grayling defeated Houghton 6-1 on Tuesday.
“It’s going to be a good game, it’s going to be a tough game.” Gordon said. “As long as we play our game, we’re going to win. But I’ll tell you right now, it’s not a big deal. It’s going to be a tough game, and it’s the district final, so it’s going to be everyone competing. Probably.
“(Grayling) has played great all year, just like we have, so it’s going to be a great game.”
