Dexter Soccer Team Ties Chelsea 1-1 in Final Regular Season Game

By Alex Hardie

Closing out the regular season on the road and looking to avenge an early season loss to the Chelsea Bulldogs, Dexter's varsity soccer team did not find satisfaction on Oct. 11.

Fans from both sides of the stands were treated to an entertaining, competitive evening that rewarded both teams a 1-1 tie.

With about six minutes left in the game, the Bulldogs were awarded an indirect free kick due to a high kick that was deemed dangerous. The ensuing kick was well defended as it was shot into the wall. The rebound went to Chelsea for a strike past Dread keeper Rhys Moller that was deflected on the way in.

Down 1-0, Dexter responded with a piercing kick by Nils Valdmanis that Jake Kilian connected with, and finished for the equalizing 1-1 score with 4:11 left in the match.

“This was your typical ‘derby’ match, where two close community teams face each other, creating a fierce, intense and competitive game," Dexter coach Scott Forrester said. "We were able to get open crosses off that weren’t of great quality…most of which the Chelsea keeper was able to win.”

There is a possibility of a re-match. If both teams win their sides of the district bracket, they could meet in the district final. Dexter faces the Adrian Maples on the road Monday in the first round of the play-offs.