Soccer Delivers Marquee win, tops #9 FHE in District Upset

Ellie VanSpronsen put in key minutes including the game-clinching clearance.

Author’s note: During live coverage, Forest Hills Eastern was referred to as the No. 7-ranked team in the state. That was accurate based on the most recent rankings available at the time. The latest MHSSCA rankings listed the Hawks at No. 9.

Outside of Grand Rapids Christian, few teams gave Forest Hills Eastern as much trouble this season as Lowell.

The Hawks entered Tuesday night’s district semifinal with a 16-3-2 record, according to MaxPreps, and had already posted several convincing wins over common opponents. Forest Hills Eastern beat Cedar Springs 8-1 earlier in the season and, in many cases, handled shared opponents more decisively than the Red Arrows.

But when Lowell and Forest Hills Eastern met on March 30, the two teams played to a scoreless draw. That match was largely controlled by the Hawks, with Lowell fortunate to escape with the tie.

Tuesday night looked different.

After a district-opening win over Northview in which Lowell controlled possession but at times appeared hesitant, the Red Arrows came out with a more aggressive approach against the top seed in the district. Lowell took the game to Forest Hills Eastern and was rewarded with a 2-1 upset victory, earning a spot in Friday’s district championship game.

Hannah Ake opened the scoring 14 minutes into the match after forcing a defensive turnover. She took advantage of the mistake and sent a shot into the top corner to give Lowell a 1-0 lead.

Junior Lily Webber celebrates a Lowell goal.

Unlike in the Northview match, the Red Arrows did not sit back after going ahead. Lowell continued to push forward and played with confidence against one of the top teams in the state. There were nervous moments late in the first half, including some scrambling in the defensive third, but Lowell held its lead into the break.

Forest Hills Eastern found the equalizer with 22 minutes left in regulation on a free kick that sailed over the head of Lowell goalkeeper Calli Rottier.

Rottier, however, responded with one of the biggest plays of the night in the 69th minute. With the match tied, she denied FHE forward Ellie Hickox on a point-blank chance to keep the game level. The two players collided on the play, and the rebound was cleared away safely by the Lowell defense.

For Rottier, Lowell’s defensive effort came down to communication, trust and staying connected against FHE’s speed.

“Defensively, we focused on staying back and working together so we could shut down their speed early,” Rottier said. “We knew they had a few fast players, so communication and trusting each other were huge for us. Our defense stayed connected the entire game, and every time we stopped one of their chances, it gave us more confidence and put more pressure on them.”

That defensive confidence only grew after Lowell took the lead.

Below - Abby Tuuri’s gamewinner. Disregard NFHS scorebug, the team’s were incorrect on the livestream.

“Once we scored, we could tell they started getting frustrated and playing in their own heads, while we stayed positive and kept relying on each other,” Rottier said. “Our ability to stay united as one group and keep shutting down opportunities was a huge reason we were able to pull off the win.”

Rottier also credited Ellie VanSpronsen and Hudsyn Wagamon for their play on the defensive line.

“Two players who stood out on the defensive line were Ellie and Hudsyn Wagamon,” Rottier said. “Their abilities to play through every single ball and not give up, and especially Ellie’s ability to play through a cramp most of the game, were huge for us.”

It was the kind of moment, and the kind of game, that has often gone against Lowell in past district matches, especially against Forest Hills Central, Forest Hills Northern and Forest Hills Eastern. This time, the Red Arrows survived it.

Lowell’s performance was built on a blend of veteran leadership and younger contributors. Rottier, senior captain and future Aquinas Saint Liv Blood, future GRCC Raider Izzy Cook and future Cornerstone Eagle forward Abby Tuuri were among the experienced players who helped steady the Red Arrows. Younger players such as Eleanor Pastor and VanSpronsen also played important roles in shaping Lowell’s effort.

Forest Hills Eastern had chances. The Hawks hit the crossbar twice, once in the second half while chasing the lead and again in the second overtime while searching for a tying goal. There was some luck involved, as there often is in tournament soccer.

But this was not a fluke.

Head Coach Joe Woodruff celebrates with his team postgame.

Lowell played with urgency, confidence and toughness for 100 minutes. After the match, head coach Joe Woodruff addressed his team with emotion.

“That took guts,” Woodruff said. “We just knocked off a top-ten team and the top seed in the district. We believed tonight, and that’s what it takes. We talked about looking at that little girl in the mirror, playing soccer at an early age. She’s proud of you tonight.”

The road does not get any easier for Lowell. The Red Arrows will face No. 7 Forest Hills Central in Friday’s district final. Lowell and FHC are familiar postseason opponents, though the two teams have not met yet this season.