The Cassopolis Rangers protected their home pitch with a 5-1 victory over Michigan Lutheran in the opening round of the Division 4 district soccer tournament Monday.

The Rangers, who are the district host, got a pair of Kiambu Gary first half goals to open up a 3-1 lead on the Titans after 40 minutes of play.

Michigan Lutheran got on the scoreboard first on a goal by Patrick Park in the 17th minute.

The first of Gary’s goals tied the match at 1-1 as he got an assist from Khantharee Ratsamy in the 25th minute.

Gary then scored the game-winner in the 31st minute on an unassisted goal.

Brett Williams capped the first half scoring with a goal in the 34th minute off an assist from Enrique Matamoros.

In the second half, Josh Canterbury scored goals in the 50th and 61st minutes to conclude the scoring.

“It was a beautiful night for soccer,” Cassopolis soccer coach Austin Francis said. “Our Rangers possessed the ball well on many occasions and every player had an opportunity to see some playing time. I was impressed by Michigan Lutheran’s keeper and that their 11 players stayed competitive and played tough the full 80 minutes.

“With that being said, I don’t believe we capitalize on the opportunities we are given as much as we should. A lot of this comes from having a young team, but it is something that will have to improve as we take on New Buffalo tomorrow night.”

The Rangers host the Bison at 5 p.m. with the winner advancing to Thursday’s championship match against the winner of the Brandywine-Lake Michigan Catholic semifinal, which will also be played tonight.

 

DIVISION 4 SOCCER

At Cassopolis

Cassopolis 5, Michigan Lutheran 1.

 

Halftime score 

Cassopolis 3, Michigan Lutheran 1.

 

First half

ML – Patrick Park 17th minute.

C – Kiambu Gary 25th minute (Khantharee Ratsamy assist).

C –Gary 31st minute.

C – Brett Williams 34th minute (Enrique Matamoros assist).

 

Second half

C – Josh Canterbury 50th minute.

C – Canterbury 61st minute.

 

Shots on goal

Michigan Lutheran 6

Cassopolis 17

 

Saves

Michigan Lutheran 12

Cassopolis 5