News Photo by Leslianne Johns Wildcat Joe LaCross chases the ball down the field in Tuesday's home soccer game against Traverse City Central.

ALPENA — The Alpena Wildcats varsity soccer team came out with energy Tuesday night but ultimately fell 5-2 to the Traverse City Central Trojans in a hard-fought contest.

Just eight minutes into the first half, Lucas Thomson gave the Wildcats an early lead, finishing a strong chance to put Alpena ahead 1-0. The Wildcats held tough defensively for much of the opening half, but the Trojans found their rhythm as the clock wound down.

With 19:34 left before halftime, TC Central struck to even the score. They followed with another goal at the 6:23 mark and then again with just three minutes remaining in the half, sending Alpena into the break trailing 3-1.

The second half saw both sides trading goals in a fast-paced, aggressive battle. Traverse City Central extended their lead with 18:04 left in the match, but only 20 seconds later, Joe LaCross answered back for the Wildcats, cutting the deficit to 4-2. The momentum, however, didn’t stay with Alpena for long, as the Trojans netted their fifth and final goal with 13:20 left on the clock.

Despite the loss, the Wildcats showed resilience, holding strong defensively in the first half and continuing to press offensively throughout the match. The game’s aggressive pace highlighted Alpena’s determination, but Traverse City Central’s second-half offensive surge proved too much to overcome.

The Wildcats, now looking to rebound, will hit the road for their next matchup, traveling to Sault Ste. Marie to face the Blue Devils on Thursday.