The outcome may have been the same as Monday, but the performance on the field was different for Montague’s boys soccer team Wednesday night at North Muskegon.
The Wildcats battled the Norsemen under the lights in West Michigan Conference play, but the hosts came away with a 2-1 victory at Fred Jacks Memorial Field.
The loss drops Montague to 8-5-1 overall and 1-2-1 in the conference. North Muskegon improves to 6-6-2 and 2-0-2, respectively.
“I’m proud of my entire team,” said Montague coach Brandon Mahoney, whose squad lost at Shelby, 3-0, two days earlier. “The intensity they played with tonight will help to carry us far this season.”
Montague hit North Muskegon with a few early attacks, but the Norsemen controlled possession for most of the first half and led 1-0 at halftime.
Montague sophomore Chris Aebig scored early in the second half off on an Isaiah Morales assist to even up the game 1-1. Following the quick goal, North Muskegon relied on its composure and communication to pull out the victory.
Montague goalie Ian Degen made 18 saves.
The Wildcats return to action next Tuesday with a conference game at Hart, followed by a nonleague contest at home against Fremont next Thursday.
