Local Sports Journal
The North Muskegon Norsemen stormed out to an early lead, but could not hold on Tuesday night against the Leland Comets.
The Norsemen dropped a 4-3 decision in a Division 4 regional soccer game played at Suttons Bay High School.
“We played a little sloppy, but our kids playedl with a ton of heart,” NM coach Jeremy Tjapkes said. “We emptied the tank tonight, but it wasn’t enough.”
NM took a 2-0 lead in the first half. Anthony Smith and Zach Rummery scored. Smith scored just 4 1/2 minutes into the game and Rummery with 15 minutes left in the half. Rummery scored after carrying the ball in from the corner and firing a shot that hit a Leland defender and ricocheted into the net.
Leland scored got the board late in the first half and early in the second to tie the game. The Comets gained a 3-2 lead before NM tied it at 3-all.
Smith scored his second of the night on the game-tying goal. After a throw-in, the front of the net became crowded and Smith was able to push a shot into the net.
Leland netted the game-winning goal with 8 minutes left in the game.
“As the game went on, it seemed like Leland was getting stronger and were almost like we were wearing down,” Tjapkes said. “It was just I think we were still on a hangover high from winning districts.”
Matt Fleise led Leland with three goals.
The Comets had a 15-10 advantage in shots.
