Local Sports Journal

The Muskegon Lumberjacks hung tough for two periods Friday, before giving up three goals in the third and falling 5-1 to the Team USA Under-18 squad in the 2014 USHL Atlantic Challenge in East Meadow, New York.

It was the first exhibition game of the season for the Lumberjacks.

Team USA jumped out to a 2-0 lead after the first period on a penalty shot by Matthew Tkatchuk at the 10:10 mark and a rebound goal by Brendan Warren at 10:39.

Matt Iacopelli scored the lone goal for Muskegon at the 3:26 mark of the second period, with assists from Cooper Marody and Ryker Killins.

Team USA pulled away in the third period with goals from Warren, Steven Ruggiero and Troy Terry.

The Jacks (0-1-0) were outshot 32-24. They will try to bounce back Saturday when they meet Cedar Rapids in the second game of the weekend tournament.