By By SCOTT NOVAK / Dowagiac Daily News
A lack of substitutions may have hurt the Dowagiac varsity soccer team's chances of knocking off visiting Lakeshore Monday afternoon.
With only one sub available to coach Mike Williams, Dowagiac fought bravely in a 4-1 non-conference loss to the Lancers.
It was Dowagiac's season opener.
Lakeshore grabbed a 1-0 lead on a goal in the sixth minute by Jeff Stusick.
The score remained 1-0 until the 36th minute when Dowagiac's Tony Black tallied.
It took nearly 17 minutes into the second half before the tie was broken. Lakehsore's Alex Boehm scored in the 57th minute to make it a 2-1 contest.
Stusick and Boehm added goals in the 65th and 78th minute to complete the scoring.
"I was pleased with the way we played, especially in the first half," Williams said. "At the end of the match you could see us start to break down. We need to get in better shape and get a few more subs. Then we should be good to go."
Williams was also pleased with new goalkeeper Art Springsteen, who came up with 14 saves in the contest.
Dowagiac is scheduled to face Coloma on Thursday in another non-conference match.
Lakeshore…4
Dowagiac…1
Halftime
Lakeshore 1, Dowagiac 1
First half
Jeff Stusick (L) 6th minute
Tony Black (D) 36th minute
Second half
Alex Boehm (L) 57th minute
Stusick (L) 65th minute
Boehm (L) 78th minute
Shots on goal
Lakeshore 18, Dowagiac 15
Saves
Art Springsteen (D) 14 saves