Portage Central downed Plainwell 4-0 Wednesday in the 2018 home debut of the Mustangs. It was the most emphatic win yet for fifth-ranked Portage Central, who dominated possession for their third consecutive win over the Trojans.
Despite the lopsided control, the Mustangs only took a 1-0 lead into halftime. The opening goal came just over nine minutes in as future Ferris State forward Emily Mergener scored on an assist by Jaclynn Sibley. Just under two minutes into the second half, Western Michigan commit Alana Richmond tallied the second Mustang goal. She picked up a rebound after a Mergener shot rocketed off the crossbar.
Sibley scored the third goal midway through the second, getting the ball in the box on a lengthy pass from midfield by Richmond. Mergener delivered the final blow with 4:01 remaining, assisted for the second time by Sibley.
Macie DeWyse unofficially made six saves, snagging Portage Central’s third shutout of the season. Plainwell’s Rebecca Gibson stopped 13.
The Trojans fall to 2-3 with the loss and return to action at home Monday against Hastings. The Mustangs move to 4-0 and have two home games for the weekend; Friday against Battle Creek Central and Saturday versus Holt. Portage Central then travels Monday to Mattawan in a game that can be heard live via JoeInsider.com.
Listen back to Wednesday’s game here.
Photos by Brett Beier