ZEELAND - When the Zeeland West soccer team allowed an equalizer, the Dux kept their heads up - and kept their focus.
Owen Frego scored his second goal of the night just minutes after Holland Christian tied the Division 2 district quarterfinal and the Dux held off the Maroons 2-1 on Thursday, Oct. 15, at home.
"It was the most important thing in the game. We were focused and knew we could do it," Frego said. "It means absolutely everything. We are like brothers and we get to play more games together."
More: High school boys soccer district pairings released: Check out where Holland-area teams will play
Frego scored one in the first half and one in the second half, each on rebounds in front of the goal.
"The first goal was crashing the net. The defense didn't get a good kick on it and I was able to get it quick off my feet. The second one was the same thing. I crashed the net and their keeper couldn't get a good hand on it and I was able to put it in the back of the net," Frego said.
Finishing those kinds of goals is something Zeeland West coach Andy Hondorp said has been a focus.
"Holland Christian is a good team and possess really well. We did what we have been talking about and were able to finish when it mattered most," Hondorp said. "Our boys came through tonight. This is huge. Any time you can get a district win, especially in this district, is a big deal.
The road doesn't get any easier in the district semifinals. The Dux will face No. 4 Holland in the semifinals on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at Spring Lake.
"Holland is dangerous all over the field. They are well-coached and pretty quick. I look forward to that challenge," Hondorp said. "We have to play consistently for 80 minutes. If we do that, I like our chances."
The Maroons came up just short, but the future looks bright for the young team.
"Finishing was the biggest difference. We needed to finish and be confident in our defensive clearing. There were two moments that Zeeland took advantage of when we couldn't get the ball out of our box," Holland Christian coach Leto Wagenveld said. "We have a lot of young guys who got a lot of experience. This season has been a lot of showing in big moments we have to be more confident in our actions."
Holland 2, Zeeland East 0
The No. 4 Dutch shut out the Chix in the Division 2 district quarterfinals.
Luke Rund-Scott and Jovany Carrillo each scored for Los Dutch.
The Holland defense and the two Dutch goalies, Landon Van Ingen and Simon Ozimek, shared the 12th shutout of the season, tying a Holland school record.
"Zeeland played very well in the slippery, wet conditions," said Holland coach Greg Ceithaml. "We got some great contributions from the team. We are happy to move on in the tournament."
Holland will face Zeeland West on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at Spring Lake.
West Ottawa 3, Wyoming 0
The Panthers won the Division 1 first-round matchup and advanced to the district semifinals where they will face Hudsonville at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, at Grandville.
Zeph Underwood scored two goals to lead West Ottawa, while Gerardo Carrillo scored one.
Hamilton 8, Hastings 2
The Hawkeyes won the Division 2 district opener at home.
Hamilton will play at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, at Grand Rapids South Christian.
Fennville 1, Grand River Prep 0
Alexis Gallegos scored the game winner for Fennville in the first round of Division 3 district play against Grand River Prep on Wednesday, Oct. 14.
Jahari Grant had one save in goal for the shutout.
Black River 3, Potter's House 1
The River Rats won the Division 4 district opener.
Black River advanced to the semifinals where it will play at Grandville Calvin Christian.
Contact sports editor Dan D’Addona at Dan.D’Addona@hollandsentinel.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @DanDAddona or Facebook @HollandSentinelSports.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Boys district soccer: Zeeland West, Holland win, will face each other; WO, BR win