Owen Kaiser scored 17 minutes into the first half, converting a perfectly timed pass from Jack Supiran.

This early goal gave Alpena the needed momentum, but they didn’t stop there.

Keller Skiba doubled the Wildcats’ lead with another goal later in the first half, putting Alpena up 2-0 in halftime.

“We get a lead and start to settle in, and we really can’t do that,” said coach Gregg Supiran. “To evolve as a team in the district, we need to be able to take a lead and keep playing at a higher tempo than the other teams.”

News Photo by Leslianne Johns Jared Johnson, Drake Wheelock, and Joseph Lacross prepare for a corner kick from Gaylord in Thursday’s soccer game in Alpena. The Wildcats boys’ soccer team took home the win with a 3-2 finish.

The second half saw more action, with a crucial moment coming when Jack Supiran stepped up to take a corner kick with 26 minutes remaining in the game.

Supiran’s precision paid off as the ball soared into the goal, extending Alpena’s lead to 3-0.

Gaylord began to mount their comeback shortly after.

Bryton Thaxton responded quickly, scoring five minutes later to make it 3-1. With only 27 seconds left on the clock, Houghton Draffs added a second goal for Gaylord, creating a tense finish.

Despite the late surge, Alpena’s defense held firm to secure the win.

News Photo by Leslianne Johns Owen Kaiser goes after the ball in Thursday’s game against Gaylord in Alpena. Kaiser scored the first goal 17 minutes into the first half

“A lot of it is the training that we have at practices and tactical sessions…Gaylord’s speed through the midfield was pretty good today,” Gregg Supiran explained. “We talk about solving problems, and they did a nice job of that up until the end of the game.”

While Alpena’s ability to adapt under pressure was evident, Gregg Supiran acknowledged the need to improve in those final moments.

“Even in the locker room, the boys talked about how they could have corrected that,” he said. “They’re thinking the right way and do a nice job of solving problems on the field.”

Alpena’s victory over a determined Gaylord team demonstrates their potential, but the close scoreline underscores the importance of maintaining focus throughout the match. As Gregg Supiran noted, the Wildcats must retain the intensity to succeed in future district competitions.

With this win, Alpena looks to build momentum as the season progresses. Alpena hosts Cadillac at 6:45 p.m. on Tuesday.