A chilly evening, some great defending, and two stellar goalkeepers made for a low scoring affair Monday night at Harper Creek. The Dawgs traveled to Battle Creek to face the Beavers in a match that has seen one goal be the difference in each of the last two meetings. This year would be the same as Otsego came away 1-0 victors on a first half tally by Freshman Rylie Henckel, the first of her young career.

The game was not the most elegant display of soccer from either squad, but the talent shined through in moments for both sides. It was Harper Creek's first match action, but they looked eager to get going early on winning the majority of the midfield battle and pinning the Bulldog forwards back in wide areas. The back line held strong for Otsego through some early pressure and made the shots that Matti Rayman did see pretty managable. McKenzie Milton provided OHS the breakthrough they needed in the 26th minute as she sliced by two defenders, got the endline, and cut it back across the frame for Rylie to finish at the far post. The Beavers were winning the middle of the park, and a change had to be made despite the scoreline.

The second half saw Otsego hold the ball more confidently, use the wide areas more intelligently, and test the Harper Creek back line with some aerial service that they hadn't seen in the first half. The back line had to change for Otsego with Senior Taylor Schuesler coming out late in the first half. Junior Ashley Hathaway slid into the middle with Petty, and holding midfielder Lauren Nieboer gave them some excellent cover. The story of the night may have been the work of the outside backs for Otsego to shut down Harper's wide play in the second frame, as well as help build our attack with some great support play. Emily Woodin, Avery Henckel, and Makayla Bryant all played very well in rotation for Otsego.

A couple key tackles and blocked shots, none bigger than a block by goalscorer Rylie Henckel on a Payton Monroe shot from 20 yards out in the final minute, sealed the victory. Matti Rayman made 5 saves in the win to record her second clean sheet of the year. Otsego is now 3-0 on the young season, and will host Coldwater on Wednesday. Player of the Game honors go to a pair of players in the Henckel twins. Avery for her work defensively and great service throughout the second half, and Rylie for her game winning goal and willingness to work back defensively late in the match.