The Lakeland men's soccer team played host to the Grand Rapids Raiders today on Laker Field and dropped a difficult 5-1 Region XII decision. The Lakers started off the game strong and scored just 4 minutes into the game when Alex Webster-Gutierrez scored an amazing solo goal. Webster-Guitierrez broke through the defense on a ball played through by Jomar Bravo. Webster-Gutierrez then beat two Raider defenders before dribbling the goalkeeper and scoring in the bottom right corner of the goal. The Lakers were playing well until they were whistled for a foul in the box with 3 minutes to play in the half. The Raiders converted the penalty kick and the momentum of the game changed. The Raiders grew more agressive while the teams went into the break tied at 1. In the second half, the teams battled back and forth until the Lakers made a defensive miscue allowing a 1 on 1 for the Raiders which they converted at the 34:18 mark. The two teams would continue to go back and forth before the Raiders took advantage of another Laker mistake to take a 3-1 lead at the 17:20 mark. From there, the Lakers would be unable to muster a significant attack and they eventually fell to the Raiders.

Till Oppermann was credited with 4 saves while both Omar Inga and Alex Webster-Gutierrez led the team with 2 shots on goal.

Ty's Talk: "This was a tough one. It hurts to lose a game knowing we got in our own way. Credit Grand Rapids as they took advantage of our mistakes and played hard. We know we can do better. We will regroup and come out better prepared in our next match."

Next Up: On Wednesday (9/25), the Lakers wll travel to Cuyahoga Community College to face the Triceratops in a 4:00 pm match. The game will be played at the Western Campus.