Lumberjacks Battle Hard but Fall 4-3 to Lakeland in Thriller
August 30, 2025
By: Leslianne Johns, ACC Sportswriter
ALPENA - The Alpena Community College Lumberjacks men's soccer team put up a strong fight against Lakeland Community College on Saturday, but ultimately fell 4-3 in a fast-paced, aggressive matchup.
Just minutes into the game, ACC set the tone when Fidel Ramos struck first, from an assist by Christopher Munoz, putting the Lumberjacks on the board early. Strong defensive play and quick reflexes from the Lumberjacks' goalkeeper kept Lakeland off the scoreboard for much of the first half, while ACC's ball control and sharp communication allowed them to maintain pressure.
Midway through the half, tensions rose when Adolfo Dominguez received a yellow card for grabbing an opponent's jersey. Lakeland capitalized about 10 minutes before halftime, evening the score at 1-1. But ACC quickly answered, scoring again just before the half to regain the lead at 2-1 on a goal by Cody Stoner, assisted by Chinonso Amaechi.
The intensity carried over into the second half. ACC was issued another yellow card early, and Lakeland wasted no time tying the game just minutes later. The Lumberjacks responded with a second goal from Stoner, this time assisted by Alejandro Zamarron, pushing them back ahead 3-2.
The Lakers, however, surged late in the half. They netted the equalizer with 25 minutes left, then broke the tie off a free kick with just 11 minutes remaining, pulling ahead 4-3. Despite ACC's continued effort and strong teamwork, Lakeland held on for the narrow victory.
The match was marked by aggressive play on both sides, with multiple fouls called—and several others that went unnoticed.
Jackson Goble had a strong game in goal posting 10 saves. ACC had 11 shots, six on target.
The Lumberjacks (0-1) will look to bounce back in their next matchup on the road against Terra State on Wednesday, Sept. 3 at 3 p.m.