Alpena’s boys varsity soccer team held one of the Big North Conference’s top teams scoreless for most of Tuesday night’s tightly contested match, but Traverse City Central found the winning goal with about eight minutes remaining in a 1-0 Wildcats loss.
The game remained scoreless at halftime, and Alpena goalkeeper Jayden Crandall made several key second-half saves to keep the match tied. Crandall finished with six saves.
Late deflection decides match
With roughly eight minutes left, a deflected pass found a Traverse City Central player. The resulting shot caromed off the goalpost and into the net for the decisive goal.
Alpena applied offensive pressure during the remainder of the match but could not find an equalizer.
Coach praises defensive effort
Alpena coach Ken Dragiewicz praised the Wildcats’ performance against a top Big North opponent and highlighted Crandall’s work in goal.
“Extremely proud of how the boys competed with one of the top teams in the Big North Conference,” Alpena Head Coach Ken Dragiewicz said. “Jayden Crandall played outstanding, making a couple impressive saves. The defensive line of Reed Leeck, Jackson Natzel, Bryson Collegnon, Jacob Krey and midfielders Sam Bastow and Mason Burns continually stopped the TC attack and frustrated them all game.”
Dragiewicz also said the team has made progress after an uneven start to the season, describing the Wildcats as a group that has come together and is playing high-level soccer.
“After some early season adversity this team has really come together and is playing high-level soccer,” he said. “Looking forward to the upcoming Big North Conference games as I feel they can compete with anyone on our schedule.”
Alpena’s next listed game is on the road at Sault Ste. Marie against the Blue Devils today at 5 p.m.