(This story was updated to add new information.)
The high school district soccer tournament is always a gauntlet.
It is single-elimination and one play can mean advancement or the end of a season.
How about a district with five ranked teams out of the seven in the field?
The Holland area Division 2 district is perhaps the most stacked district in boys soccer history in the area.
That means three teams that are good enough to win a district and maybe go much further will be out.
The chaos started on Thursday as Zeeland East knocked off Holland 2-0 in the opening round.
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"We took our core values to heart, and our motto 'as one' and played like we had a chip on our shoulder. It is a tough district, a fun district, but tough. I think it is great for West Michigan soccer in general. Holland is a great team and so is every team in our district, which makes every game mean more," Zeeland East coach James Lunga said. "This is huge for our program."
Levi Rodriguez scored early in the second half, then Levi Bannach added a second on a breakaway and the Chix are on to the semifinals.
"We have been looking forward to this. We haven't beaten Holland in a long time, and it feels amazing," Bannach said. "Our effort was off the charts."
The Chix will face top-seeded Allendale on Monday at 5 p.m. at Allendale Middle School.
Holland had beaten the Chix and the teams had also tied once this season and Los Dutch saw a stellar season, that included a conference title, come to an end.
"Zeeland East played outstanding defense. Not only did they deflect most of our shots, but they anticipated where we were trying to go. They beat us and we wish them the best of luck moving forward," Holland coach Greg Ceithaml said. "This district is tough. It is going to be a battle in every round.
"It was a tough way to end the season, but all season long the guys fought with skill and passion. That is why it was so tough tonight because of the passion they bring. It is hard to say goodbye to the seniors, but I know they will be successful moving forward."
Division 2
Holland Christian 2, Zeeland West 1
The Maroons advanced to the district semifinals on Monday at Allendale Middle School against Unity Christian at 6:45 p.m.
Unity Christian 3, Hamilton 0
The Crusaders shut out the Hawkeyes and will face Holland Christian at 6:45 p.m. Monday at Allendale Middle School.
Division 1
West Ottawa 4, Mona Shores 1
The Panthers won their district opener and will face Grand Haven at 7 p.m. Monday at Hudsonville.
Division 4
Saugatuck 3, Black River 2
The Trailblazers advanced to face Grandville Calvin Christian on Monday at Byron Center Zion Christian.
Dante Holley had a coal and an assist. Misael Gamboa and Angel Rosas also scored. Justin Crawford had an assist and Noah DeBoer made 13 saves in goal for Saugatuck.
Contact sports editor Dan D’Addona at Dan.D’Addona@hollandsentinel.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @DanDAddona or Facebook @HollandSentinelSport s.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: District soccer roundup: Zeeland East stuns Holland
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