Second-half goal marks the difference as Lakeview edges rival Harper Creek to win city title.
BATTLE CREEK ― To borrow from, and maybe add to, a well-known expression: It's better to be lucky, and good.
Two good teams were locked in a scoreless tie deep into the second half.
Then, a self-admitted 'lucky' shot went into the goal and Lakeview had its All-City Tournament boys soccer championship with a 1-0 victory over Harper Creek at Pennfield High School on Friday, Aug. 22.
Lakeview senior Philip Mang came up with the game-deciding goal with 12:11 left in the second half, finding the back of the net after a fortunate bounce.
MORE SOCCER:
44 players to watch, what to know about Battle Creek-area boys soccer teams in 2025
Vote for Battle Creek Enquirer Preseason Player of the Year in boys soccer
"When I scored, it was very surprising," said Mang. "The ball deflected off the keeper and found me. It was kinda lucky. It was good luck."
The goal was set up by a cross from sophomore Richard Lian. Mang took one shot, which was stopped by Harper Creek keeper Broderick Hanger, but the deflection went right back to Mang and he was able to put it in on the second try, just a couple of feet from the goal mouth.
"It's great to win this my senior year. We didn't win it last year, so it's great to get it back," Mang said.
Harper Creek won this title last season for the first time in 16 years. Lakeview had won five straight prior to falling short last year.
"Last year was my first year with the program and we got close, but didn't get it. It was a big goal for our team to win it this year," said second-year Lakeview head coach Ryan Sisco. "Really proud of the boys. Happy for the seniors. Super proud of our guys. That was a good team over there in Harper. Real tough team. Happy to get this win."
Lakeview senior keeper Gabriel Toledo earned the shutout.
Earlier, Lakeview advanced to the final with a 3-2 win over Pennfield and Harper Creek advanced with a 4-0 victory over the St. Philip/Calhoun Christian co-op team. Battle Creek Central opened the tournament with a win over St. Philip/Calhoun Christian in a game that ended regulation at 1-1 with the Bearcats winning in a shootout, 4-3.
Contact Bill Broderick at [email protected]. Follow him on X/Twitter @billbroderick.
This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: Lakeview back atop Battle Creek All-City Boys Soccer Tournament
Category: General Sports
