Delta Drops League Contest to Lake Michigan

Benton Harbor – When the Delta College soccer team opened their season with Lake Michigan, they jumped out to an early 2-0 lead and looked to cruise to a victory.  However, Lake Michigan fought back in that game and forced overtime – an overtime that lasted less than one minute as Delta found the back of the net for a walk off win, 3-2.

On Sunday, the Pioneers played against the Red Hawks once again looking to sweep the weekend double-header after having destroyed Ancilla on Saturday.  This time around, however, Lake Michigan scored early with a goal just 20 seconds into the game and although they played well, the Pioneers were forced to play from behind the entire second half.  Ultimately, they couldn't finish balls and dropped a 2-1 MCCAA decision.

With the loss, Delta falls to 4-4 overall and 4-2 in the conference while Lake Michigan improves to 3-7 on the year and 2-5 in the conference. 

With the score at 1-0 in favor of Lake Michigan, Delta freshman midfielder Alexis Traver scored an unassisted goal at the 23 minute mark to tie the score.  Lake Michigan came back to take the lead, however, just before the half and then played keep away the entire second half to gain the win.

"We had 15 or 20 good opportunities (in the game) and only scored on one," said head coach Gary Stenglein.  "We need to figure out how to combine shirt passes in our final third to create more scores."

Overall, Delta put 12 shots on goal compared to Lake Michigan's four.

"This was an important 3 points that we let slip away from us," said Stenglein. "Now we need to find out where to pick them up in other tough games."

Delta next travels to nationally ranked and perennial power Cincinnati State on Friday before hosting league leading Schoolcraft on Sunday.  Both contests are scheduled for 1pm.