Last-Minute Goal Sends Harbor Springs to State Soccer Finals

CEDAR SPRINGS — On a gloomy Tuesday in Cedar Springs, the Harbor Springs girls soccer team faced off against Kalamazoo Christian in a Division 4 state semifinal, with the rain mercifully holding off. After the game, Harbor Springs coach Aaron Riley found himself drenched after his players celebrated their victory with a surprise ice water shower. “I’m a little cold, wet, but to be honest, that is OK right now,” Riley remarked. “I don’t care much.” The Rams clinched a thrilling 2-1 win with just two seconds remaining, propelling them to the Division 4 state championship.

This marks Harbor Springs' first trip to the state finals since 2001, when they lost to Clawson in an overtime match. The championship game is set for 1 p.m. on Friday, June 12, at Michigan State University’s DeMartin Soccer Stadium, where they will face Royal Oak Shrine, who triumphed over Schoolcraft 4-3 in their semifinal.

During the intense match, the Rams (19-1-2) initially took the lead with a goal from freshman Maeve Riley just five minutes into the game. However, Kalamazoo Christian equalized, leaving the score tied at halftime. As the game neared its conclusion, Harbor’s Lilly Barnadyn made a crucial play, sending a high pass to Stefi Reskevics. After skillfully maneuvering past five defenders and capitalizing on a mistake by the opposing goalkeeper, Reskevics scored the decisive goal. “Stefi, like she has been all year, was in the right place at the right time to finish it,” Riley said, praising his team’s determination.

Despite being the underdogs, Harbor Springs faced a formidable opponent. The Comets had an impressive 19-1 goal differential in the postseason and boasted a history of competing in four consecutive state championships, including a title in 2022. However, Riley embraced the challenge, expressing confidence in his team’s ability to compete against top programs from downstate. “I’m just really excited that Harbor can show that the north can play,” he said, eager to represent northern Michigan.

The Rams’ journey has already been historic, having claimed their first regional title since 2003 and now ending a 25-year absence from the state finals. “I hope these girls can finish what they started and do something that’s never happened in school history,” Riley shared, reflecting on the significance of their season. With the championship match on the horizon, he quipped about his game-day superstitions, insisting he would wear his thick wool green hat, regardless of the heat. “I don’t even care if it’s 95° in East Lansing, I have to wear it,” he laughed.