Alpena in MHSAA District One Tournament loses 4-0

ALPENA, MI – It’s crunch time for the Alpena Wildcats. Round One of the MHSAA District One Tournament is underway and Alpena would host Saginaw Heritage at Wildcats Stadium. It wouldn’t be an easy match as Saginaw Heritage came into this match 11-4-1 on the season compared to Alpena’s 10-11 record. However with a strong win against the Cadillac Vikings last week, the Wildcats looked to keep momentum on their side.

Starting things off in the first half the Hawks came out with a purpose, holding possession and putting pressure on Alpena early. Ben Freigang just gets the through ball right in front of him. He moves down the right wing and takes the shot and it bounces off the crossbar and goes in. Alpena goalkeeper Mason Bray did everything he could to get to that ball but it was virtually un-savable hitting right in the top left corner.

Alpena would continue to struggle shutting down Saginaw Heritage. Now on the left wing, a great cross finds Carson Hales and he gets a head on it and it just slips past the keeper and the Hawks make it a two nothing lead against the Wildcats.

Saginaw Heritage would then have a free kick opportunity. Nicholas Brown just crosses it over the opposition. Ben Freigang once again gets to the ball and makes the play to grab his second goal of the match.

Now despite giving up those goals, Mason Bray would still have a great save in the match. Freigang with the ball would have two Wildcats on him but he makes the pass to Bodhi Wideman. He then quickly gets it to Caleb Smith for the shot. Mason makes the save but the ball is still live. Freigang tries again to get it past Bray but he holds on. Great effort to shut that play down.

However, the Hawks would just keep pulling away. A hand ball in the box by Alpena gives Saginaw a penalty kick. Caleb Smith would take the attempt and he fools the keeper and gets the goal.

Alpena played hard but couldn’t overcome Saginaw Heritage as the Hawks win it 4-0. Saginaw Heritage now goes on to face Midland DOw who defeated Bay City Central 9-0.