Schools
FHS Girls Varsity Soccer Team Wins MHSAA District Title
First-year coach Mike Kuzniar called it an "incredible victory" on Saturday when the Ferndale High School "Eagles" Women's Varsity Soccer Team clinched the MHSAA District Title over the Hazel Park Vikings in a 5-0 shutout.
The Ferndale High School "Eagles" Women's Varsity Soccer Team shutout Hazel Park 5-0 on Saturday at Warren Fitzgerald to bring the school its first ever district championship.
First-year coach Mike Kuzniar called it an “incredible victory.”
The Eagles were tested early against a Vikings, but eventually Lexie Brisson-Fast broke through with two first half goals to give her team an advantage. Molly Breen-Bondie would add a goal before halftime to put Ferndale firmly in control.
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“The first 20 minutes, they played really well,” Kuzniar said. “They were very organized, I don’t know if it was a little bit of nerves on our part, but they’ve improved over the season, but finally we were able to break them at about the 20 minute mark.
The schools were very familiar with each other after facing off twice in the regular season. The third time wasn’t the charm for the Vikings.
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Brisson-Fast scored again 10 minutes into the second half and Kelsey Wilson scored before Kuzniar went to the bench.
Emma Whipple picked up her 10th shutout of the season and didn’t allow a single goal in Ferndale’s three district games. The Eagles beat Hamtramck 1-0 in the first round of districts on Tuesday and beat Melvindale on Thursday 8-0.
It was a big turnaround for a team that lost to Lamphere 8-0 by mercy rule.
“Their season ended very abruptly last year,” Kuzniar said.
When Kuzniar was hired during the offseason, the first thing he did was tell his team to look forward instead of back.
“I noticed the girls were disappointed with that,” Kuzniar said. “I said, lets leave that in the past and try and create a legacy for ourselves.”
And create a legacy they have. This year’s team not only brought home its first ever district title, but also won its division for the first time in school history.
“I’ve been blessed with some great seniors,” Kuzniar said.
Ferndale advances to the regionals and will play the winner of Trenton and Allen Park. The game will be played at Trenton High School on Tuesday at 5 p.m.
