Houghton's Arobindo Gosh (8) and Beto Marin (13) look to take control of the ball against Kingsford's Clayton Fayas (20) during a game Monday at Alumni Field in Houghton. (Eddie O’Neill/For the Gazette)

HOUGHTON — The Houghton Gremlins boys soccer team can finally breathe a sigh of relief. On Monday they beat the Kingsford Flivvers 2-1. It was the first time the program had beaten them.

“I could not be prouder of these guys,” said Gremlins coach Mark Lounibos. “This feels good and the boys earned it. They put everything into it.”

The Houghton coaching staff agreed that the second half was better than the first.

This was the second time these rivals had battled this month. Two weeks ago Kingsford won, 2-0. In that one, the Flivvers scored in the first 10 minutes and late in the game.

Monday’s game started out the same with the Flivvers’ Jett Buckley finding the back of the net at the 35-minute mark.

“We talked about starting strong but we gave up a goal early on.” stated Lounibos. “I was worried we were digging the same hole.”

Fortunately, that was all the Flivvers got in the contest.

“I told the guys at half to not be afraid of winning,” said Lounibos. “We are still very much in this game. Commit to winning every ball, and they did.”

The Gremlins came out with some new-found intensity. They tied this one at the 39-minute mark.

A pass from Lucas Mayra to Henry Lounibos resulted in an unstoppable line drive to the upper right-hand corner off of Lounibos’ foot.

The Gremlins’ intensity did not slow down. They were winning balls in the air and putting pressure on Kingsford’s defense.

“Our center-mids never stopped running,” said Lounibos. “That was Henry, Wesley Mattila and Lucas.”

Their hard work paid off in a similar fashion with about 14 minutes left.

Myra fed the ball to Henry Lounibos again, and Henry followed through with a blast from about 25 yards out that was all net. Leading at point, 2-1, the Gremlins showed no plans of slowing down.

Coach Lounibos credited the strong play of senior goalie Jonah Falker as a key to victory.

“He is a wall in goal as he helps organize the defense and stands up to every attack,” noted his coach. “He is a real leader for our team.”

Gremlins top Blue Devils

Saturday, the Gremlins shut down the Sault Ste. Marie Blue Devils by the score of 8-0.

Mayra and Henry Lounibos each scored twice. Arobindo Ghosh, Mattila, Ben Waite, and Cale Repp also scored.

Falker picked up the shutout.

Up next

The Gremlins travel to Iron Mountain on Thursday to face the Mountaineers.