The Wayland boys’ varsity soccer team lost 3-0 to O-K Gold Conference foe East Grand Rapids Tuesday evening.
Coach Ben Sleeman commented, “The game started out quickly with both teams seeing chances to take the lead. The Wildcats had a great chance when Tristen Ortiz broke through the back line and was taken down by the keeper in the box without a call.
“The home team continued to apply pressure and had a couple chances to score right after the no-call. Unfortunately, it was the Pioneers who took their next chance as they crossed the ball into the box and deflected the ball past Jake Larsen to take the lead. The game would remain 1-0 at halftime.
“The second half saw the Wildcats with some good chances to score, but ultimately they couldn’t find the back of the net and East Grand Rapids was able to add two more goals to bring the final score to 3-0.
Jake Larsen made 12 saves in the loss.
The Wildcats travel to Grand Rapids Christian Thursday as they begin their second round of conference games.
PHOTO: Wildcat Tristen Ortiz was denied a goal because of a no-call by the referee on a takedown.