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MCP/OCP Sports Coverage is presented by: Baker Ford Ludington, Fresh Coast Foam, Mission Graphics, Quick-Way, Inc., Smith & Eddy Insurance and Michelle and Andrew Thomas.
MONTAGUE — Shelby battled back from a second-half deficit to earn a 1-1 draw against Montague in a girls varsity soccer regular-season finale Monday night.
Despite missing several players due to injury and absence, the Tigers settled in after a slow start and matched the Wildcats through a scoreless first half.
Shelby coach Joseph Gorton said both teams controlled possession effectively early on.
“The first half was back and forth, and neither team really earned an advantage,” Gorton said. “Both teams possessed the ball well and passed well.”
Montague generated more shots in the opening half, but Shelby goalkeeper Brylee Friedman kept the Wildcats off the board.
“Montague was able to create more shots, but they were not threatening,” Gorton said. “Brylee Friedman handled the goal well.”
Shelby nearly broke through before halftime as Annie Stark created several promising runs, but the Tigers were unable to capitalize and the teams entered halftime tied 0-0.
Montague struck first after halftime when its senior attacker wearing No. 16 capitalized on a misplayed bounce and converted a scoring chance for a 1-0 lead.
Shelby responded with strong possession play following halftime adjustments.
“We made some adjustments at halftime, and I think they paid off,” Gorton said. “We possessed the ball very well in the second half. We made some great runs, and created a ton of opportunities.”
The Tigers eventually broke through when Kylie Brown scored off a rebound following a shot by Kylee Hanson to tie the match at 1-1.
Shelby continued to pressure offensively but could not find the go-ahead goal late in the match.
Friedman finished with 16 saves for the Tigers.
Shelby concluded the regular season with a 7-6-3 overall record and a 4-4-2 mark in conference play.
The Tigers will open district tournament play Wednesday, May 27, against McBain Northern Michigan Christian in a district semifinal match scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at McBain Northern Michigan Christian.
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