The Lakeland men's soccer team lost a very physical 5-1 decision to the Muskegon Jayhawks at Lost Nation Sports Park. The loss dropped the Lakers into second place in the conference with a 9-2 and 7-2 record. The scoring started for the Jayhawks on a header off a free kick from about midfield a little less than 17 minutes into the game. Lakeland knotted the score 1 minute later as a Lakeland player was brought down in the box and Tom Worm converted the penalty kick. After that, starting keeper Jack McNeil was injured and removed from the game after a collision with a Muskegon player. Jacob Pereira Granato relieved and received a straight red when going for a ball and colliding with a Muskegon player. The Jayhawks were awarded a penalty kick, which Muskegon converted. From there, Muskegon carried the play as they benefitted from a man advantage. Josue Gomez came in relief as the third keeper for Lakeland and made some very nice saves. Overall, there were 28 fouls called in the game – 18 for Muskegon and 10 for Lakeland.
Kettani Quotes: "That was a very physical game that got out of hand a bit. I don't like to see anyone get hurt and both teams lost some players. Despite the adversity, our players still played hard. We will need to re-group and get ready for our next match."
Next up: Time change – The Lakers next match will be this Wednesday against Ancilla College at Lost Nations Sports Park in Willoughby. Game time is 3:15 pm and admission is free.
