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NORTH MUSKEGON — The Shelby Tigers girls varsity soccer team turned in a strong defensive effort Wednesday night but fell 4-0 to No. 6-ranked North Muskegon in a West Michigan Conference match.
Shelby held the Norsemen scoreless through the first half despite constant pressure from the North Muskegon attack. The Tigers defense, led by Ari Garza, Charlee Friedman, Sydney Reed and Ava Lamberg, repeatedly turned away scoring chances to keep the match even at halftime.
Goalkeeper Brylee Friedman was outstanding in net for Shelby, recording 20 saves in the contest.
North Muskegon finally broke through about 10 minutes into the second half when a cross into the box took an unfortunate bounce and found the back of the net for a 1-0 lead.
The Tigers continued to battle and nearly created several dangerous scoring opportunities, coming close on a pair of connecting passes in the attacking third.
The Norsemen added another goal roughly 10 minutes later, again benefiting from an unlucky bounce. North Muskegon later added two more goals to account for the final margin.
Despite the score, Shelby coach Joseph Gorton said the match was much closer than the final result indicated.
The loss drops Shelby to 7-6-2 overall and 4-4-1 in conference play. The Tigers will close out the regular season Monday at Montague.
