This article comes from one of our newest SportsNuts, stepping into the coverage lineup with a fresh perspective and plenty of excitement. That’s what the SportsNut crew is all about — different voices, different styles, and the same passion for West Michigan sports. As one of the newest members, Trevor couldn’t have asked for a better introduction than the Causeway Cup. A rivalry atmosphere, a packed sideline, and two programs going toe-to-toe under the lights — it doesn’t get much better than that.
– Conner Raeth, CatchMark SportsNet Lead
Tuesday night under the lights, game two of the Causeway Cup had a little bit of everything — speed, rivalry juice, and plenty of fireworks. When the dust settled, Reeths-Puffer had doubled up on Mona Shores, following up their early-season 1-0 squeaker with a decisive 4-1 victory on the Sailors’ home turf.
I didn’t catch game one, but game two was every bit as physical and entertaining as advertised. Personally, there’s nothing I enjoy more than a gritty soccer game, and this one fit the bill.
The Rockets wasted no time setting the tone. Senior forward Owen Ritsema (13) broke free on a counter and buried the opener to put RP on the front foot. From there, it was all Rockets. The pace, the possession, the pressure — Shores couldn’t find answers. By the time the halftime whistle blew, the Rockets had a commanding 4-0 lead and looked in complete control.
To their credit, Mona Shores came out of the break with energy and adjustments. The Sailors found some rhythm in the midfield and punched one in early in the second half to make it 4-1. That would be the only breakthrough, though. Reeths-Puffer’s back line tightened up, keeper stood tall, and the Rockets managed the game the rest of the way.
The story of the night? Speed. Reeths-Puffer is flat-out fast. Everywhere. Their back line recycles possession, their midfield pushes tempo, and the moment you think you’ve solved the puzzle, they’re already playing a ball over the top to a striker in full sprint. It was relentless.
That speed pairs perfectly with their leadership. Seniors Ritsema (13), Zac Sampson (10), Koen Beck (12), and Carson McCullom (15) are steering a red-hot group. In the last five games, the Rockets have outscored opponents 24-4. For context: in their first nine matches, they scored 13 total goals — nine of them in one win over Muskegon. It’s safe to say this group has found its stride at the right time of year.
The Sailors, on the other hand, are young. That inexperience showed at times, but the potential is obvious. Give this group a little time to grow, and they’ll be right in the mix down the road. They’ve got talent, and Tuesday’s second-half response proved they aren’t going to back down.
Looking ahead, Reeths-Puffer has a big test Thursday at home against OK-Green leader Byron Center. Mona Shores will be on the road that same night, traveling to Jenison.
So yes, the Causeway Cup belongs to the Rockets this season. But don’t forget about the Sailors — they’ll be back, and when they do, this rivalry will only get better.
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