BUCHANAN — Gage Williams had two goals and two assists as visiting Dowagiac defeated Buchanan 5-1 in non-conference soccer action Wednesday.

The Chieftains opened up the scoring just three minutes into the match, when defenseman Nick Foote made a great pass to midfielder Gage Williams. Williams was able to find twine and put Dowagiac up 1-0.

The two teams continued to battle up and down the field with the majority of the action taking place in front of Buchanan’s keeper Brixton Adkerson.

It was only a matter of time before Dowagiac would convert its time of possession into points. That time came with 18 minutes left in the first half when Antonio Brito was able to find Williams, who, once again, was able to score.

The Chieftains opened up the second half of play the same way they did the first, with a goal.

This time in was Brito who was able to weave through a herd of Buck defenders before blasting a low shot past an outstretched Adkerson.

Dowagiac continued to control the ball for most of the second half. The one mistake of the match came when the Dowagiac keeper became a little too anxious to see some action, making an ill-advised run for a ball just outside the box.

When Buchanan was able to corral the ball, junior Lincoln Grwinski lofted a 40-yard shot that sunk just under the cross bar to make the game 3-1.

Unfortunately for the Bucks, the Chieftains refused to let up and the pressure they applied was to much for the Buchanan to overcome.

After a great cross ball from Williamson, Chance Wernlund was able to place a header in the back of the net, but the goal was disallowed due to an offsides penalty on the Chieftains.

“I think our guys played good” Dowagiac coach Mike Williams said. “We got pulled into some kickball a little bit and got away from our game, but we pulled ourselves back. We stress to our guys to go for 80 minutes no matter what the score. The rule is, if you’re standing still, you’re doing something wrong.”

Dowagiac would add two more goals, the first by Edgar Bravo and the final goal on a shot from Mariano Brito in the 69th minute.

Dowagiac will host its annual Chieftain Invitational Saturday.

The Chieftains will face Cassopolis in the opening match at 10 a.m.

 

DOWAGIAC 5, BUCHANAN 1

Halftime Score

Dowagiac 3, Buchanan 0

 

First Half

D – Gage Williams 3rd minute (Antonio Brito assist)

D – Williams 22nd minute (Nick Foote assist)

D – Antonio Brito 30th minute (Williams assist)

 

Second Half

B – Lincoln Grwinski 45th minute

D – Edgar Bravo 60th minute (Williams assist)

D – Mariano Brito 69th minute (Antonio Brito assist)

Shots on Goal

Dowagiac 16

Buchanan 3
Varsity record: Dowagiac 2-0