Sports photo by Steve Jakubcin Mason Burns pushes the ball down field during the Alpena High School boy's soccer game in Alpena on Thursday. Alpena was defeated by Traverse City West 3-1.

ALPENA – The Alpena Wildcats boys’ soccer team put together a determined effort on Tuesday night but ultimately fell short against a skilled Traverse City West squad, dropping the contest 3-1 at home.

The opening half was marked by tight defensive play and limited chances for both sides. Alpena worked to slow down West’s attack, keeping the game even through much of the first half. However, with just over five minutes left before the break, Traverse City West found the back of the net at the 34:12 mark, seizing a 1-0 advantage that carried into halftime.

Coming out of the break, West wasted little time extending its lead.

The Titans struck again at 8:52 of the second half and added another goal just over a minute later at 7:21, pushing Alpena into a 3-0 hole.

The Wildcats continued to battle, refusing to let the game slip away without a response. Their persistence paid off in the closing minutes when junior Lucas Thompson buried a penalty shot with 4:34 left to play, cutting the deficit to 3-1.

Thompson’s goal gave Alpena late energy and prevented the shutout, but the early second-half surge by West proved to be too much to overcome.

With the loss, Alpena now prepares for its next contest on the road.

The Wildcats will travel to Gaylord to face the Blue Devils on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.