By Teddy Rydquist

Leader Sports Writer

Looking to rebound from a loss to the Troy Colts, the Oxford Wildcats boys’ soccer team traveled to Lake Orion to take on the Dragons on Sept. 5.

In what was a back-and-forth first half, it looked like Lake Orion was going to take a 1-0 lead into the break after sophomore Keethan Punniyamoorthy got them on the board about 12 minutes in.

However, Oxford junior Marco Artero scored on a free kick with just 22.5 seconds left in the half to even the score.

With 36:50 remaining, Lake Orion junior Michael Boger scored from about 30 yards out on a ball that went through the hands of Oxford goaltender Tristan Bennett. An All-OAA selection as a sophomore a year ago, this was very uncharacteristic of the normally rock-solid Bennett.

Despite Oxford having some opportunities, Boger’s goal proved to be the difference in the game as the Dragons held on for a 2-1 win.

“He’s a great keeper,” head coach John Thaler said of Bennett.

“I’ve only seen that happen one other time in three years. We played extremely well and carried most of the play. We had more chances but couldn’t find the back of the net. It’s only a minor setback. We’ll regroup and be ready for the next match.”

Their third consecutive road game, the next match for the Wildcats comes on Tuesday, Sept. 10 at Bloomfield Hills. The team is 4-3 overall (1-1 OAA White), they will next be in action at Wildcat Stadium on Friday, Sept. 13 vs. Anchor Bay.