Charles Apostolik (
Jr.-New Castle, Colo.) and
Garrett Duffin (
Jr.-Princeton, Ill.) both scored goals and the Lakeland University men's soccer team fought back from a three-goal deficit to push Finlandia (Mich.) University before falling 4-2 Sunday evening in a non-conference match at Taylor Field.
The Muskies fought back from being down 3-0 to get within a goal with 20 minutes remaining, and stayed there until the Lions added an insurance goal with just over a minute left in the match. Lakeland still finished with its most competitive result in nearly a month even as it remained winless in 13 matches this season.
Finlandia (6-7) controlled play in the first half and led 3-0 after Junior Espino scored in the 40th minute, but the Muskies started their comeback just before halftime. Apostolik stole the ball near midfield and carried it near the sideline, then launched a looping shot from outside the left elbow of the box over the goalkeeper's head that found the top right corner of the net.
Lakeland picked up its pace in the second half and had a number of attacks, including quality opportunities for Apostolik and
John Bentler (
So.-Seattle, Wash.), and it paid off in the 70th minute. Apostolik won the ball on the left sideline and crossed a pass in front of the net to Duffin, whose header hit the right post and caromed into the back of the left back of the net for his first goal as a Muskie.
The score remained that way even as the Lions picked up their play and had several opportunities following, including three saves by
Thomis Mannebach (
Sr.-Florence, Wis.) plus an open net missed high in the final minutes. Finlandia finally gained some space when Moises Membreno converted from the right side of the penalty area with 1:07 left for the final goal.
The Lions outshot the Muskies 22-8, with Apostolik attempting six of Lakeland's eight shots. Mannebach made eight saves in goal while Finlandia's Patrick Miles made four saves. Espino, Membreno and Glodie Kangia all had a goal and an assista each for the guests.
The Muskies will play their regular season home finale this Saturday when they host Rockford (Ill.) University at 4:30 p.m.
