Wayland’s boys’ varsity soccer team gave O-K Gold Conference leader a tussle Thursday on cold and damp turf, but fell short by a 3-1 count.

The Sailors struck first within the first five minutes before the Wildcats were able to compose themselves and get settled in defensively. The rest of the half saw the visitors trying to hold off a high pressured attack from the home team, and the Wildcats yielded one more goal shortly before the half to fall behind 2-0.

“The second half was a completely different story though,” said coach Ben Sleeman, “as the Wildcats turned up the pressure and broke up the Sailors’ possession, forcing them to play longer and allowing the Wildcats to get more offensive chances on goal. Despite conceding a goal early in the half, we fought hard and forced the South Christian keeper into making some tough saves.”

Wayland eventually earned a penalty kick late in the match and Tristen Ortiz put the ball away calmly to bring the team within two goals. That would be it for the night and the final score would end up 3-1.

Goalie Jake Larsen made seven saves in the loss.

The Wildcats’ season record sits at 3-10-1 (2-7 in the O-K Gold).