Elk Rapids Falls in State Semifinals to GR South Christian on Penalty Kicks

CEDAR SPRINGS – The Elk Rapids boys soccer team saw its season come to an end Wednesday with a 2-1 shootout loss to Grand Rapids South Christian in a Division 3 state semifinal at Cedar Springs.

Trailing 1-0 at the half, Preston Ball registered the equalizer with 21 minutes remaining in regulation for the Elks (19-3-4).

After two scoreless overtime periods, the Sailors secured the win 4-1 on penalty kicks. South Christian’s first half goal also came via a penalty kick after a hand ball was called on Elk Rapids.

Elk Rapids was making its first state semifinal appearance since 2012 on Wednesday.

South Christian (18-0-1), which last won the Division 3 state title in 2015, will now face Grosse Ile (19-1-1) for the state championship Saturday at Novi. Grosse Ile handed Williamston a 4-0 loss in Wednesday’s second semifinal.