The Lakeland soccer team fell by a score of 3-1 today to the St. Clair Skippers in Region XII action. The Skippers jumped out to a 1-0 lead 8 minutes in as they converted a penalty kick. Eight minutes later, the Skippers would strike again on a pass that split the defense and set up a tap in for St. Clair. The Skippers would make it 3-0 at the 20 minute mark as the St. Clair forward dribbled around a Laker defender before beating the goalkeeper. Despite the deficit, Lakeland continued to battle. The Lakers possessed the ball for a good part of the half in their offensive end, but were unable to convert any of their chances. The Lakers went into the break trailing 3-0.
In the second half, Lakeland again controlled the ball early and was able to force a corner kick at the 60 minute mark. On the left side of the goal, Christian Guerra took the corner and Abram Gutierrez scored the goal on a direct header. Trailing 3-1 the Lakers tried to press offensively, but the Skippers defense held. Down the stretch, neither team would get great scoring opportunities as play was primarily in the middle third. Unfortunately, the Lakers ran out of time.
Lakeland was outcornered 7-4 while both teams recorded 4 shots on goal. Dominik Bruketa took the tough-luck loss in net.
Next Up: The Lakers will have a quick turnaround as they play host to the Terra State Titans at 2pm on Monday (10/6). The two teams battled to a 3-3 tie last Saturday (9/27).
