The Lakeland soccer team traveled to Alpena Community College today to face the Lumberjacks in Region 12 action. This was a back and forth affair that repeatedly saw the Lakers battle back before eventually taking the game by a final of 4-3. Alpena got on the board first a little over a minute into the game as Lakeland was regrouping in their defensive end. The Lakers turned the ball over allowing the Lumberjacks to take an early 1-0 lead. Abram Gutierrez tied the game about midway thru the period when he dribbled through the defense and beat the netminder on an unassisted goal. Just before the half, the Lumberjacks would regain the lead as they scored on a corner kick to take a 2-1 lead into the break.

In the second half, Lakeland tied the game about 5 minutes in when Bryon Perez intercepted a pass and fed Christian Guerra in front of the net for a tap-in. A little over midway thru the period, the Lumberjacls would again re-take the lead as they beat the Laker defense with a chip to set up a breakaway. The Lakers answered 5 minutes later as Bryon Perez made a great pass to split the defense setting up Abram Gutierrez for his second goal as he beat the Alpena goalkeeper. Both teams continued to battle until Bryon Perez gave the Lakers the go-ahead goal and the win. With about 8 minutes to play, Alpena was whistled for a foul giving the Lakers a free kick about 20 yards out. Perez wasted no time as he fired a shot that gave the Lakers their first lead of the day. From there, the Lakers would clamp down on defense and continue to play a strong possession game as they grounded out the win.

Coach Torres Talks: "We didn't start off real well but as a team we continued to battle. We really went above and beyond with our effort as we kept coming back when behind. I'm proud of their effort. We continue to work hard and battle - which are very good traits."

POG: Gavin Svagerko - Coach Torres comments, "His leadership on the field was tremendous today. He also got to every ball in the air and didn't miss a tackle - just a really good leader today." 

Next Up: On Friday (9/5), the Lakers will travel to Jamestown CC for a 2:00 pm non-league match.