The Wildcats boys soccer team came up short in their quest for a Division 2 district title, losing to Gaylord over the weekend 2-1 at Gaylord Community Field.

Alpena (17-5-2) managed just two shots on goal in the first half and only one goal on a few chances in the second half.

“We didn’t play our best game, that’s for sure,” Alpena coach Tim Storch said. “There were some breaks that we probably could have had that we didn’t get; I’ll leave it at that. It’s unfortunate that it came to that in this particular game, but Gaylord’s a good team and they beat us three times, which is tough to do when you’ve got two evenly matched teams, so credit to them.”

Despite the loss, Saturday marked the end of a record-breaking season for the Wildcats. Players set new single-season marks for goals and wins. Arvidsson-Ullberg broke records for single-season goals and assists.

The team won in the playoffs for the first time since 2004.

The year was “a big step for the program,” Storch said. “This is part of the hunger that the program has to go through to take that next step.”

Saturday’s loss was tough, but the Wildcats should be proud of their season. We are.

Congratulations to each and every one of the players and to Coach Storch.

What a great ride you gave us this year, and we know this won’t be the last time we’re cheering you on into the postseason.

(THE ALPENA NEWS)