By By SCOTT NOVAK / Dowagiac Daily News
Fundamental mistakes led to all three Bridgman goals in the Bees' 3-0 victory over Dowagiac in a non-conference match on Wednesday.
Bridgman grabbed a 1-0 lead on a goal in the 24th minute by Andrew Cox.
The score remained 1-0 through the rest of the first half.
Tyler Allen gave the Bees, who are the defending Lakeland Conference champions, a 2-0 lead with a goal in the 36th minute.
Bridgman's final goal came on an own goal by the Chieftains.
"We gave up goals because of small, fundamental mistakes," Dowagiac coach Mike Williams said. "Mistakes that we could have easily prevented."
Williams said that his team moved the ball well on the ground against Bridgman, but that wasn't what he wanted.
"They (Bridgman) were winning balls on the ground," he said. "I wanted us to get the ball up in the air. They are a solid team. Their defense was very good and we had a hard time getting the ball to the goal."
The Chieftains will now begin preparation for their Wolverine Conference opener on Wednesday, Sept. 6 at South Haven. The match is scheduled to begin at 6:45 p.m.
Dowagiac will continue a busy week on Thursday, Sept. 7 when it travels to Berrien Springs for a non-conference match. That match is slated to begin at 5 p.m.
The Chieftains wrap up their week by hosting their own invitational tournament on Saturday, Sept. 9.
There was no junior varsity match on Wednesday. The Chieftain JV are back in action on Tuesday at South Haven.
Bridgman…3
Dowagiac…0
First Half
B – Andrew Cox 24th minute
Second Half
B – Tyler Allen 36th minute
B – Dowagiac own goal