Wayland usually does
n’t fare well against perennial soccer power South Christian, but Tuesday gave the visiting Sailors a scare in a 2-1 O-K Gold Conference loss.
The first half was tightly contested, with the home team having the best chance to take the lead when senior Hunter Nousen volleyed the ball from distance forcing a tough save from the Sailor keeper. Not long after, another good chance from Chuck Wroblewski was deflected wide, preserving the tie.
It was the Sailors who took the lead, however, when they beat two Wildcat defenders and a diving Jake Larsen to make the score 1-0. They added a second not long after, but that was all the home defense would allow for the night.
“In the second half, it was all Wayland as the boys applied pressure and attacked the Sailor defense attempting to claw their way back into the game,” said coach Ben Sleeman.
They were finally rewarded for their efforts when Zac Rybiski scored his first career goal on an assist from Anthony Muscarella. The Wildcats were unable to tie the game up late, despite having numerous dangerous opportunities to make something happen.
Keeper Jake Larsen made seven saves in the loss.
They are back in action Wednesday night, as former conference rival Hastings,comes to town. The Wildcats will take a 1-5-1 overall record into the contest.
