Playing back-to-back nights for the second time in a week may have caught up with the Dowagiac soccer team Thursday.

The Chieftains struggled throughout the first half before finding their legs in an 8-2 non-league victory over Cassopolis.

“We did not play well as a team in the first half,” Dowagiac coach Mike Williams said. “We are beaten up a little, but we cannot use that as an excuse. We must be tougher mentally going into our toughest part of the season.”

Dowagiac opened up a 3-0 halftime lead on goals by Antonio Brito, Gage Williams and Edgar Bravo. Johnny Ruiz and Alec Saylor picked up the assist on the first two goals.

It was the first action for Williams since being injured playing football for Dowagiac in its season opener against Vicksburg in August.

Sensing the Chieftains’ struggle, Cassopolis came out and scored the first two goals of the second half to cut the Dowagiac lead to 3-2 with 30 minutes left to play.

Kiambu Gary had both goals for the Rangers.

The Chieftains scored three goals in the span of eight minutes to end the Ranger upset bid.

Williams netted his second goal off an assist from Mariano Brito in the 51st minute, while Brito scored seven minutes later and Bravo scored in the 59th minute off an assist from Nick Foote.

Dowagiac added a pair of insurance goals in the final 15 minutes as Brito picked up his second of the night and Saylor scored in the 71st minute to cap the scoring.

Ruiz and Williams had the assists on the final two goals.

The Chieftains returned to the pitch Monday night as they traveled to Allegan for a Wolverine Conference match.

Dowagiac hosts Edwardsburg at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday.

 

DOWAGIAC 8, CASS 2

Halftime score

Dowagiac 3, Cassopolis 0

 

First half

D – Antonio Brito 8th minute (Johnny Ruiz assist).

D – Gage Williams 12th minute (Alec Saylor assist).

D – Edgar Bravo 14th minute.

 

Second half

C – Kiambu Gary 42nd minute.

C – Gary 50th minute.

D – Williams 51st minute (Mariano Brito assist).

D – Mariano Brito 58th minute.

D – Bravo 59th minute (Nick Foote assist).

D – Antonio Brito 65th minute (Ruiz assist).

D – Saylor 71st minute (Williams assist).