Portage Northern High School Women's Soccer

The Huskies won the District Championship on Saturday by defeating Mattawan 1-0. The scoring began early when a drive by Sara Howland rebounded off the Mattawan goalie. Krista Clancy was right there to put the ball in the net to give our Huskies the winning goal.

Our Huskies dominated play, outshooting Mattawan 22-4. To Mattawan's credit, they kept the score close as we were unable to get that elusive second goal. Congratulations to both teams on an exciting contest.

We move on to the regional semi-final on Tuesday against the sixth ranked Okemos Chieftans, winners of the Mason District. Come on out and support your Huskies as they vie for the State Honors. The game is Tuesday June 6 at Jackson Parma Western.

The Huskies advanced to the District Finals by defeating Plainwell 2-0. It was a closely fought contest. Our Huskies had the better and more frequent scoring opportunities but were unable to score in the first half.

That changed at the 45:40 mark when Sara Howland sent a long ball from outside the eighteen under the bar to stake the Huskies to a 1-0 lead. We kept the pressure on Plainwell but were unable to score until there was less than one minute to play. Plainwell had moved their goalie to our side of the midfield stripe in an attempt to even the score. Sarah Bouali gained possession of the ball around midfield and sent a long shot into the Plainwell goal to secure the victory!

The Huskies play at noon on Saturday for the District Championship against the Mattawan Wildcats at Kalamazoo Central. Come on out and support the Huskies!!

The first half was a scoreless tie, but Sarah Meyer scored five minutes into the second half off a corner kick from Sara Howland. That's all the Huskies needed to move on to tonight's district semi-final match against the Plainwell Trojans at 4 pm at Kalamazoo Central.

Sara Howland followed up her assist on Sarah Meyer's goal by putting the ball into the back of the net 10 minutes later to insure the victory.

Just a reminder that the District Tournaments begin next week. The so called 'second season' leading to State Championships.

The Huskies begin play against the Kalamazoo Central Maroon Giants at 8 pm on Tuesday, May 30th at Kalamazoo Central.

The late starting time is because host school K Central has scheduled 3 matches that day; 4 pm, 6 pm and our match at 8 pm.

The meeting of two highly ranked teams ended in a 1-1 stalemate after two overtimes. The scoring began at the 31:25 minute when Sarah Howland bent a corner kick into the Irish goal. The Irish answered midway through the half for a 1-1 score at the break.

The game proceeded to ebb and flow with our Huskies having the better and more frequent scoring opportunities. However, we were unable to capitalize as Hackett hung tough. Congratulations to both teams on a well-fought contest and good luck to both teams as they move on to Districts.

The Districts begin on Tuesday when we meet Kalamazoo Central at Kalamazoo Central. Come on and support the Huskies as they make their run in the tournament. Congratulations to the Huskies on a tremendous regular season: 15-2-2 Wow!!

In a hard fought contest the Huskies bested Vicksburg 3-2. The scoring began midway through the first half when Samantha Pace sent a ball to Brooke Somers who put a beautiful shot inside the left post. Vicksburg responded late in the first half to tie the game at halftime.

The second half scoring began at the 34:40 minute mark when a nice corner kick by Sara Howland was perfectly headed into the net by Sarah Meyer. The dynamic Howland/Meyer duo teamed up again to give the Huskies a 3-1 lead at the 20-minute mark. Vicksburg scored shortly thereafter for the game's final score of 3-2

In a game similar to the first meeting this year, Portage Central was able to prevail against our Huskies. The game was intensely fought and undecided until the 11th minute of the second overtime.

The scoring began around the 8th minute when Sarah Bouali headed a corner kick by Sara Howland into the goal. Our lead held until the 62nd minute when a Central corner kick was finished by Lindsay Peterson to tie the game at 1-1.

The game winner came from a corner kick in the second overtime that was headed into our goal by Gretchen Schatz for the game winner. Congratulations to both teams on yet another exciting contest, and good luck to both as Districts get underway next week. But first for the Huskies it's Vicksburg Wednesday and Hacket on Friday.

We were presented with some of the most gifted and talented youth soccer you would ever want to see. Tom Weissert, our very gifted booth announcer's introduction sums it up:

Looks can be deceiving. What you think you see are youngsters enjoying a informal game of soccer. What you are actually witnessing is an evolution of the level of competitive soccer in southwestern Michigan.

It is our honor to have as our special guests this afternoon the U-9 TKO DEVELOPMENT INDOOR TEAM

Pay attention - you will see these athletes in years to come on this and other area fields.

Invest your support today and the payoff will be some of the finest high school soccer competition in the state"

The Huskies defeated a pesky Fruitport team on Friday. We got out to a quick lead when Sarah Meyer scored on a Sara Howland corner kick at 37:19. Another score by Brooke Somers on a penalty kick gave us what appeared to be a comfortable 2-0 lead. But Fruitport hung tough, scoring on a breakaway late in the half to bring the Trojans to within one goal at halftime. Score 2-1 Huskies.

The second half brought us multiple scoring opportunities but we were unable to capitalize. The final score was a 2-1 Northern victory.

On Saturday, May 6th 60 soccer supporters gathered for a delightful fund raiser lunch at Carrabba's Italian Grill on south Westnedge.

Express special thanks to Brian Marsters and his terrific staff next time you stop in at Carrabba's Italian Grill!

In a rain-shortened game, the Huskies defeated Lakeshore to advance to the SMAC Championship against Portage Central. The rematch of the archrivals will take place at Portage Central on Monday May 22, at 6:45 p.m.

The scoring against Lakeshore began early in the first half. Brooke Somers finished a pass from Sarah Bouali to stake the Huskies to a 1-0 lead at the 38:00 minute mark. The Huskies were dominant and their next score came off a pass from Samantha Kowalisyn to Sara Howland who sent the ball in under the crossbar for a 2-0 halftime lead.

The weather continued to worsen in the second half. Shortly before the game was cancelled due to lightning, Sarah Meyer took a pass from Brooke Somers and drilled it past the Lakeshore keeper for the final score of the evening.

This win brings the Varsity record to an OUTSTANDING 13-1-1!! Way to go Huskies!!

The week layoff due to inclement weather didn't slow down the Husky train. It picked up right where it left off! In a rematch of the last game we played, the Huskies met St. Joe in a game that began in a downpour. The rain didn't bother Carolyn Brown who lofted a picture perfect shot under the bar at the 33:05 minute mark. The goal was Carolyn's first goal of the season. Congratulations Carolyn!!

The scoring continued shortly thereafter when St. Joe was assessed a penalty in the box. Sara Howland drilled a shot past the St. Joe keeper to give the Huskies a 2-0 lead

The final score of the first half came off a pass from Sarah Bouali to Krista Clancy who finished the ball to put the Huskies up 3-0.

The second half highlight was a score by defensive back Kaitlin Doud. Kaitlin had just returned from an injury received in the Forest Hills Central victory. Kaitlin launched a beautiful shot from well outside the eighteen, which sailed under the bar. Well done Kaitlin!!

Wednesday brings Lakeshore for the second game of the Conference Tournament. Come out and support the Huskies!

In a dominating performance the Huskies beat the Bears of St. Joe on Monday. The Huskies got out in front early with Brooke Somers finishing a pass from Sarah Bouali at the 5:00 minute mark. There were two other scores in the first half to give the Huskies a 3-0 lead at halftime. An additional two goals were scored in the second half.

The scoring was spread out among our Huskies, with no Husky with more than one goal. The goals and assists for the game were as follows: Brooke Somers-1 goal and 1 assist, Sarah Bouali-1 goal and 1assist, Sara Howland-1 goal, Samantha Kowalisyn-1 goal, Rachel Meyer-1 goal, Samantha Pace-2 assists.

Rachel Meyer's goal was especially noteworthy because it was the first goal of her highschool career. Congratulations and way to go, Rachel!!

The Huskies came out strong, determined to secure their tenth win of the season. Sara Howland and Sarah Bouali teamed up early in the first half as Sarah Bouali sent a ball through to Sara Howland. Sara was well outside the eighteen and proceeded to float a perfect shot just under the bar to stake the Huskies to a 1-0 lead.

Mona Shores responded to tie the score at 1-1. From then on it was all Huskies! On one of the prettiest scores of the season, Sara Howland and Sarah Bouali again teamed up. Sara Howland sent a corner kick to the front of the net and Sarah Bouali drilled a header to the back of the net.

Our final score featured Sarah Meyer and Samantha Kowalisyn. Samantha sent a through ball to Sarah Meyer who outran a couple of Sailor defenders and beat the Mona Shores goalie to put the Huskies up 3-1.

The team was solid on both sides of the ball. The defense held Mona Shores to very few scoring opportunities. Next week features an away game at St. Joe and a rematch with Battle Creek Lakeview. Come on out and support your Huskies!!

The Plainwell Trojans went down to a 2-0 defeat Wednesday evening at the Husky Stadium. Plainwell did a good defensive job in the first half and the game was deadlocked 0-0 at halftime. Our Huskies had a number of scoring opportunities but were unable to capitalize.

All that changed at 29:53 in the second half when the Trojans were assessed with a penalty in the box. Sarah Meyer took the penalty kick and drilled a low line drive just inside the right post to give the Huskies the lead. Sarah Meyer sealed the win for the Huskies on a nice pass from Samantha Kowalisyn late in the second half.

The Huskies were dominant on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball, outshooting the Trojans 14-1. Way to go Huskies!!

Battle Creek Lakeview - May 1, 2006

Varsity Summary:.

The Husky train continues to roll on. They beat Battle Creek Lakeview 3-0, for their eighth win of the season.

Scoring commenced at the 10:37 mark when Sarah Meyer finished a pass from Krista Clancy to put the Huskies on top. The other score in the first half came from Krista Clancy with an assist by Brooke Somers.

The Huskies continued to dominate in the second half, holding Lakeview to a couple of shots. The final score was Sarah Bouali's off a free kick by Sara Howland. The defense was solid, racking up another shutout.

The Huskies play Plainwell at home on Wednesday and at Muskegon Mona Shores on Friday.

Come on out and support the Huskies!!

Forest Hills Central - April 28, 2006

Varsity Summary:.

The Huskies went to Forest Hills Central to play the Division Two #2 team in the High School Coaches Poll. They came away with a 2-1 overtime victory. The victory is especially sweet because Forest Hills Central was the team that beat us in the State semifinals last year.

Way to go Huskies!!!!!

The scoring began midway through the first half when the cross from Sara Howland found the foot of Sarah Meyer who beat the Forest Hills keeper, giving our Huskies the lead at halftime.

Forest Hills Central tied the score in the second half to send the game into overtime. Brooke Somers secured the win for the Huskies when she drilled a shot into the back of the net.

The victory was a total team effort. The defense was solid with Mollie Brooks playing a spectacular game making a number of one-on-one saves.

Way to go Mollie!!

Battle Creek Central - April 26, 2006

Varsity Summary:.

The Battle Creek game was a resounding 7-0 Husky victory. The scoring began at 30:03 in the first period when Sara Howland drilled a Sara Bouali cross into the net. Ten minutes later Sarah Bouali finished a pass from Samantha Pace to put the Huskies up 2-0. Then Samantha Pace provided the last score in the first half off a pass from Kaitlin Doud.

The Huskies began the second half where they left off. Brooke Somers scored two consecutive goals in quick succession to build the lead to 5-0. Samantha Pace and Sara Howland each provided an additional goal to round out the scoring.

This was a very impressive outing with Sara Howland, Brooke Somers and Samantha Pace each scoring two goals. A strong defensive effort left Battle Creek with very few scoring opportunities.

Go HUSKIES!!!

Kalamazoo Central - April 24, 2006

Varsity Summary:.

Watching the Portage Northern-Kalamazoo Central game was like watching two different games. In the first half, the teams were evenly matched with neither team able to get a significant advantage. In the second half our Huskies stepped it up a notch or two and were able to claim a 4-2 victory.

The scoring began early in the first half when Sarah Meyer finished a Sara Howland corner kick for the game's first score. Kalamazoo Central responded fifteen minutes later on their corner kick to even the score at the half.

The second half began with the Meyer-Howland combo putting the Huskies back on top. Kalamazoo knotted it up a minute later. From there on out, it was all Huskies!! Sarah Meyer finished a cross from Sarah Bouali to put the Huskies ahead at the 29:53 mark. Samantha Pace took a Sarah Meyer cross and beat two Kalamazoo defenders for the game's final goal.

Sarah Meyer played an awesome game and was the first Huskie of the season to have a hat trick. Way to go, Sarah!!!

Portage Central - April 19, 2006

Varsity Summary:.

It was another classic Portage Northern-Portage Central game. There was a scoreless deadlock until the winner was decided at the beginning of the second overtime. A Portage Central corner kick resulted in the winning goal as the ball was redirected and slipped into the net just inside the right goal post.

Our Huskies played their hearts out but were unable to prevail.

Mollie Brooks was outstanding in goal with a number of fantastic saves that kept Portage Central at bay.

Neither team was dominant, which bodes well for our future as our team continues to mature. Your reporter is hoping for a rematch in the SMAC championship.

The week of April 23rd has a full schedule with games on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. We will be playing Kalamazoo Central, Battle Creek Central and Forest Hills Central, respectively.

Come on out and support the Huskies!!!

Mattawan - April 17, 2006

Varsity Summary:.

In our best game of the year, the Huskies put on a display of firepower and defense to beat a good Mattawan team 4-0.

The scoring began midway through the first half when Sam Pace drilled a pass from Sam Kowalisyn past the Mattawan keeper. Krista Clancy beat the keeper on a pass from Sarah Bouali to put the Huskies up 2-0 at the half.

The Huskies continued to dominate in the second half. At the 20:10 mark Sara Howland sent a free kick to the front of the goal. Sarah Meyer finished it with a nice touch past the Mattawan goalkeeper. The final score of the contest came off the foot of Sarah Bouali on a beautiful shot from outside the 18.

Wednesday will see us at PORTAGE CENTRAL, which is always one of the most intensely fought battles of the season. Come on out and support the HUSKIES!!!! GO HUSKIES BEAT CENTRAL!!!

Portage/Kalamazoo Invitational Saturday - April 15, 2005

Varsity Summary:.

Saturday was a beautiful day for the Portage/Kalamazoo Soccer Tournament and our Huskies were as good as the weather.

The team played three games and went 2-0-1. The first game featured the Traverse City Trojans. After a scoreless first half, the Trojans were the first to score early in the second half. The Huskies responded at the 10:50 mark when a free kick by Anna Caplis found Sarah Meyer who put a beautiful shot past the Traverse City goalkeeper. Final score 1-1.

The Chiefs from Okemos were our next opponent. The game was primarily defensive, with the Huskies having the majority of the scoring opportunities. The scoreless deadlock was broken when Sara Howland gained possession of the ball outside the 18 and drilled a shot inside the left post for the game's only score.

In the final contest, Grand Haven fell to the Huskies 2-0. The scoring took place in the second half. Sam Pace sent the ball to Sarah Meyer who beat the Grand Haven goalkeeper for the game's first score at 21:10. The final score came off the foot of Sam Kowalisyn who floated a shot just under the bar from well outside the 18 to secure the game for the Huskies.

The week of April 16th features two quality opponents. On Monday we travel to play Mattawan and Wednesday brings us to Portage Central. See ya there!! Go Huskies!!

Kalamazoo Loy Norrix - April 12, 2006

Junior Varsity Summary:

The JV lost to the Kalamazoo Loy Norrix Lady Knights 1-0

Varsity Summary:.

The 2006 varsity soccer season got off to an auspicious beginning with a 2-0 victory over the visiting Kalamazoo Loy Norrix Lady Knights.

The Lady Knights were able to keep the dominating Huskies off the scoreboard until the 23:10 minute mark of the first half. Sarah Bouali made a nice cross to Mary McCarthy who beat the Knights' goalie for a 1-0 lead.

The game settled into a defensive struggle. Our Huskies had a number of opportunities but were unable to capitalize until the 3:27 mark of the second half. Rachael Meyer made a nice pass to Kelli Hart who drilled the ball into the back of the net for the second goal of the evening.

The victory was a total team effort with every Huskie participating and it was a great way to open the 2006 soccer season. Northern will hope to continue their winning ways on Saturday in the Portage/Kalamazoo Invitational Tournament. Three varsity and three JV games are scheduled.

See you there!!!!

For info on last year's team, go to pnhssoccer.org or click here.


Mary McCarthy sends the ball into Mattawan territory	Rachel Meyer delivers the throw-in


Krista Clancy takes on a Plainwell defender	Sarah Meyer, Sarah Bouali and Samantha Pace prepare to redirect a corner kick at the Plainwell goal


Samantha Kowalisyn makes a run deep into Hackett territory	Samantha Pace beats an Irish defender


Kaitlin Doud throws the ball in to Krista Clancy as Sarah Bouali works to get open	Sarah Meyer puts the moves on a defender


Kaitlin Doud prepares to defend a throw-in	Brittany Knue prepares to head a ball back at the Fruitport goal


Sarah Meyer prepares to launch a shot at the Lakeshore net	Mollie Brooks sends the ball back at Lakeshore


Samantha Kowalisyn sends in a throw, the scoreboard says it all.	Anna Caplis sends a free kick deep into St. Joe territory.


Brook Somers puts a move on a Sailor defender.	Sara Howland launches a corner kick to the front of the Mona Shores goal.