LIVONIA, Mich. – Lakeland men's soccer nearly came all the way back after a disastrous start against Muskegon Community College but the Lakers were unable to score in the second half in a 4-2 loss in the NJCAA Region XII semifinals Saturday afternoon.

The Lakers found themselves in a 3-0 hole in under 20 minutes into the contest but two goals by Kobie Gooding-Meade (Toronto, Ontario) got Lakeland back into the game at halftime. Lakeland was unable to score in the second half as Muskegon held on for the win to end the Lakers' season.

With the loss, Lakeland finishes the season with a 6-11-4 overall record.

Gooding-Meade scored both goals for Lakeland as David Turner (Eastlake) and Williams Batres (Cleveland) both added an assist in the loss.

Muskegon came out on fire and scored three goals in less than 20 minutes to take a 3-0 lead. Lakeland didn't show any quit as Gooding-Meade took a long pass from Turner in the 20^th minute and snuck the ball past the keeper to get the Lakers within 3-1.

A great pass across the middle of the field by Batres to Gooding-Meade set up the second goal as Lakeland got within 3-2 in the 30^th minute for a score that would hold up until halftime.

Lakeland had chances in the second half but was unable to score as Muskegon added a goal in the 82^nd minute for a 4-2 lead that would end up as the final score.

Hans-Conny Chery (Toronto, Ontario), Josue Gomez-Villegas (Perry) and Batres each had a shot on goal for Lakeland in the loss.

Chery and Gooding-Meade were both awarded named to the all-tournament team for Lakeland.

For more information about Lakeland athletics, visit www.athletics.lakelandcc.edu.

About Lakeland Community College

Founded in 1967, Lakeland Community College was the first college in Ohio created by a vote of the people. True to our mission, Lakeland provides quality learning opportunities to meet the social and economic needs of the community.

Offering day, evening, weekend and online classes, the college serves more than 10,800 credit and 2,800 noncredit students (2016). For more information about the College, visit www.lakelandcc.edu.