Despite the Brandon soccer team’s 1-0 loss to Fenton in the district finals Oct. 25, Coach Nathan Hunter was not discouraged.
Far from it.
‘It was a very positive game for us, and for the most part, we dominated the game,? he said. ‘We were very much in the game and could have won it. We played a tremendous defensive game.?
Host Fenton scored the game’s lone goal with about 15 minutes left in the second half, sending the Blackhawks home with a final record of 7-11-2.
‘They should have their heads held up high,? Hunter said of the Blackhawks. ‘They certainly have every reason to proud of themselves. Our seniors pulled the team together ? Ben Reed, Andy Rathburg and Tony Salvador were tremendous in every aspect.?
On Oct. 22, the Blackhawks advanced to the Division 2 district finals with a 3-0 win against Swartz Creek.
Ryan Morales scored two goals for the Blackhawks, while Chris Hunter added a goal and Steve Kumpar made 22 saves.
Brandon placed three players on the Flint Metro League squad, as Hunter made the first team and Kumpar and Reed earned second-team spots. All three also made the all-district team.
The Blackhawks will have to get used to life without six seniors who are graduating from this year’s team: Reed, Rathburg, Salvador, Jason Martin, Brandon Sweetman and Aaron Bayliss.
However, Hunter said the outlook for next season is ‘tremendously bright.?
‘I can hardly wait to get started for next year,? he said. ‘We have an intensive development program in the offseason. We have a lot of promise next year and we’ll certainly be a stronger team.?