Alpena ties Gaylord in gritty battle
Trending
ALPENA – The Alpena High School boys' soccer team played Gaylord to a 2-2 tie Thursday in a Big North Conference match at Gaylord.
Jackson Birmingham scored first for the Wildcats on a header assisted by Joe LaCross. Gaylord's goalkeeper made several key saves to keep the score 1-0 at halftime. The Blue Devils tied it early in the second half.
LaCross answered midway through the half, assisted by Jacob Krey and Reece Dragiewicz, to put Alpena ahead 2-1. Gaylord scored late to even the match at 2-2.
LaCross finished with a goal and an assist. Birmingham recorded a goal. Dragiewicz and Krey each recorded an assist. Goalkeeper Jayden Crandall made five saves.
"Good Big North contest against a quality opponent," Alpena coach Ken Dragiewicz said. "We had some chances, especially in the first half that we didn't capitalize on. I give credit to the Gaylord goalie for making a couple key saves."
Dragiewicz said he was proud of how the team played and singled out the back line of Krey, Bryson Collegnon, Jackson Natzel and Reed Leeck.
Alpena next plays away games at Cadillac and Petoskey before hosting a home tournament Saturday against Grayling, Cheboygan and Traverse City St. Francis.
"I encourage the community, especially the youth soccer program players to come out, support your local team, and watch some quality soccer matches," Dragiewicz said.