Munster defeats Portage in season opener

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MUNSTER -- The start of the game wasn't indicative of the finish. Even though Portage came out strong and aggressive early on, it was Munster at the end to prevail after overcoming a sluggish first half to pull off the season opener, 2-1.

Both coaches agree that if the game is a snapshot of how the season is going to progress, both teams should fare well the rest of the way.

"This is a good way to start the season," Munster coach Jim Prasopoulos said with a big smile on his face. "This was a tough Duneland team that really took it to us in the first half where we looked lackadaisical and almost like we didn't want to be there.

"We were fortunate on this one, but it's good to get the win and you can't be perfect on the first one as we're just starting off."

Munster (1-0) showed some life and took the early 1-0 lead on a Krste Ruiz solo blast that found its way to the upper-left hand corner from 15 yards out with traffic all around him. The goal seemed to settle the Mustangs defense that shut out the Indians in the first half, even though Portage had multiple opportunities to score, but just couldn't find the back of the net against goalkeeper Jess Clark.

Clark was stellar with 10 saves. When Portage missed on a breakaway attempt, you could tell it was going to be a long, frustrating evening for the Indians.

"I told the kids after that first goal that it's great and everything, but we haven't earned anything. We've been playing sloppy and it's good to have the 1-0 lead, but we have to play better to earn the win," Prasopoulos said.

In the second half, Portage was able to finally capitalize on an opportunity as Joey Higgins' chip shot from 35 feet went to the lower-right corner and squared things up. But it would be a short-lived momentum swing as three minutes later, the tandem of Tony Ceja and Tetsuo Toyama connected off the bench for the game-winner.

Toyama played a perfectly placed ball to Ceja, who properly redirected it on a one-timer just in front of the keeper's outreached arms. The Mustangs defense wouldn't let up after the goal and controlled the tempo the rest of the way.

"We had our chances and we just couldn't finish," a disappointed Portage coach Todd Strom said. "It is early and we have a lot to work on still, and Munster is a tough team.

"We played well enough to be in the game, but they just didn't fall tonight. If tonight is any indication of things to come, both Munster and us are going to be pretty tough."