Leland Returns to Semis to Face Grandville Calvin Christian

LELAND — For the second time in three years, the Leland boy soccer team is in the state semifinals. The Comets last advanced this far in 2018 when they won their first state title. They now prepare for a tough matchup against Grandville Calvin Christian.

The Squires own an 18-0-2 record and have only given up two goals during this entire season. They also outscored opponents by three or more goals in 16 of their 20 games this season.

“In terms of its expectation level, what we ask our boys to do day in and day out is do their job, do as best they can, maintain high expectations for yourself and your teammates and hold each other accountabl,” Leland head coach Brandon Wheeler said.

Leland sits at 15-4-2 entering the semifinals and they have had a difficult road this postseason, including an overtime win over Buckley along with a penalty kick shootout against Muskegon W.M.C.

“This year we got a solid defense and we’ve had a solid defense throughout the year,” Leland senior Gavin Miller said. “I mean the back line is incredible and I can’t get as many shutouts as I can without them so they help out a lot. We all play our role.”

These two teams met in the regional semifinals last year, where Grandville Calvin Christian won, 2-1. The game will start at 6 p.m. on Wednesday at Kentwood.