Alpena High School’s boys varsity soccer team responded to a difficult conference loss with an emphatic 8-2 victory at Sault Ste. Marie on Thursday, giving the Wildcats a Big North Conference win and a strong second-half finish.
Sault Ste. Marie opened the scoring on a penalty kick, but Alpena quickly answered. Joe LaCross scored on an assist from Parker Kaiser, and the Wildcats added three more goals before halftime to take a 4-1 lead. Sault cut the margin to 4-2 on a corner kick just before the break.
Wildcats pull away after halftime
Alpena increased its intensity in the second half and scored four additional goals. The final goal came when Reece Dragiewicz sent a cross to Kaiser, who headed the ball in at the back post.
LaCross and Kaiser each recorded three goals and two assists. Jackson Birmingham contributed a goal and an assist, while Reed Leeck scored once. Dragiewicz finished with two assists, and Sam Bastow added one assist.
Josh LaCross made one save in his first varsity appearance as goalkeeper. He entered after starting goalkeeper Jayden Crandall was injured in a collision.
Next opponents
Coach Ken Dragiewicz said the result was important after Tuesday’s loss to Traverse City Central.
“Good to get a Big North win after a tough loss on Tuesday to Traverse City Central,” coach Ken Dragiewicz said. “While we started a little slow, the boys really picked up the effort in the second half. Parker Kaiser had a great game recording 3 goals and 2 assists.”
Alpena next faces Bay City Western and Traverse City West. Dragiewicz said he is looking forward to seeing how the team performs against the two “quality opponents” next week.