The Wayland boys’ varsity soccer team Wednesday registered its first victory of the season by getting past O-K Gold Conference rival Middleville Thornapple Kellogg, 3-2.

The game started with both teams battling and having a few good chances to take the lead. However, it was the Wildcats who pounced first as senior Anthony Muscarella netted his first goal of the season on an assist from fellow senior Zac Rybiski. The half’s action wasn’t over, though, as Middleville was able to capitalize on a miscue in the Wildcat defense and score the tying goal of the match.

Both teams went into halftime feeling they were in the game, but it was the home side that came out quickest when David Ruskowski’s corner found Chuck Wroblewski’s header to take the lead once again. Muscarella scored his second goal of the game after winning the ball off a Trojan defender before lashing a shot from distance to beat the keeper and double the lead for his team.

Coach Ben Sleeman explained, “The Trojans continued to fight and scored not long after to keep the game within reach, but the Wildcat defense held strong for the last 20 minutes and the game ended in a victory.”

Keeper Jake Larsen made five saves on the night.

The Wildcat boys, now 1-4 overall and 1-1 in league play, get right back at it Thursday as they travel to Hamilton for their last game before the holiday break.