DOWAGIAC — The Dowagiac soccer team tuned up for its annual Chieftain Invitational with an 8-0 non-conference win over visiting Buchanan Tuesday.

The Chieftains scored six first-half goals. The match was halted due to the eight-goal mercy rule with 32:36 remaining in the second half.

Johnny Ruiz had a pair of back-to-back goals to complete the first-half scoring, He scored in the 27th and 29th minutes.

Adrian Lee opened the scoring off an assist by Matt Mosier in the 19th minute.

Tommy Bermudez scored the other first-half goal off an assist by Cole Parker in the 21st minute.

Cristian Wilson (33rd), Edgar Bravo (35th), Dylan Elmore (42nd) and Victor Zavala (47th) scored the second half goals for Dowagiac.

The Chieftains outshot the Bucks 18-2.

Veteran Dowagiac coach Mike Williams has been working with his new players on learning their positions and what to do with the ball.

“We were able to work in ball movement, crosses and thru passes,” he said. “We need to continue that for Saturday in order to get wins against veteran teams. The boys have been working real hard this year, with great parent support at all levels. It is a community effort in preparing these boys.”

On Saturday, Dowagiac will face Bangor at 9 a.m. on the varsity field at Dowagiac Union High School, while Fennville will face Cassopolis at 9 a.m. on the auxiliary field across the street.

In the second round, Dowagiac will take on Cassopolis at 10:45 a.m. on the main field, while Fennville will take on Bangor at 10:45 a.m. on the auxiliary field.

The final round will pit Dowagiac against Fennville at 12:30 p.m. on the main field and Bangor against Cassopolis at 12:30 p.m. on the auxiliary field.

Teams will play two 30-minute halves with a five-minute halftime.

Tiebreakers are head-to-head, least goals allowed, most goals scored or quickest goal.

The auxiliary field does not have bleachers, so fans are asked to bring their own chairs.