Lexi Vander Griend scored for Lynden Christian with four minutes left to give the Lyncs the 2-1 win over Meridian in a Northwest Conference match on Tuesday, Oct. 16.

"It was playoff style soccer; both teams knew that this game would put the winner into the driver's seat and played like it," Lynden Christian coach Brent De Ruyter said in a phone interview. "It was a high level of play and very physical with both teams fighting hard. We were just able to get that last one."

Courtney Hollander scored first for the Lyncs in the fourth minute, but Lexi McKinnon responded in the seventh minute for Meridian.

"On a day like today everyone stands out," De Ruyter said. "But I think Courtney battled incredibly hard and really created a lot of opportunites. Shelby Brown did a great job winning balls for us and serving balls back in too."

Vander Griend scored the final goal on a pass from Sally Vlas.

"We decided we were going to be the aggressor," De Ruyter said. "Especially in the final 10-15 minutes and I think that was what made the difference."

Lynden Christian improved to 7-5-1, 5-5-0 NWC and will host Squalicum on Thursday, Oct. 18, while Meridian (7-4-3, 4-4-2 NWC) will host Sehome.

LYNDEN CHRISTIAN 2, MERIDIAN 1

Scoring: Goal: Courtney Hollander (LC), assist: Livi Vander Griend, time: 4:00; Goal: Lexi McKinnon (Meridian), time: 7:00; Goal: Lexi Vander Griend (LC), assist: Sally Vlas, time: 76:00. Shots on goal: Meridian 4; Lynden Christian 5. Goalies (saves): Meridian: Abbi Rautenberg (2); Lynden Christian: Karibeth Engelsma (3).