By Brian Kappler
Review Contributor
OXFORD — The Lake Orion boys soccer team lost to Oxford 2-1 in the MHSAA District 6 semifinals on Monday at Wildcat Stadium, ending the Dragons’ playoff run and season.
The team finishes the season with an 11-9 record (4-2 OAA White) while Oxford (15-4-3) moves on to face the Clarkston Wolves (11-2-1) on Wednesday in the district final.
Lake Orion reached the semifinals after defeating Flushing 5-1 in the first round of district play on Oct. 12.
At the 20-minute mark, senior Ezekiel Bargas opened the scoring, finishing a cross from senior Calvin Maes.
Approximately five minutes later, a deep feed from junior Matias Ballina-Loza was deflected outside the Flushing 18-yard line, where junior Billy Kappler was able to slot the ball past the Flushing keeper for Orion’s second goal.
Lake Orion entered the half with a 2-0 lead.
Around 18 minutes into the second half, Lake Orion junior Nico Lasso scored the Dragons’ third goal, finishing a rebound from sophomore Will Farmer’s close-in shot.
Approximately two minutes later, freshman JP Piccirilli was able to score by corralling a bouncing rebound off a long cross from junior Deniz Redzep.
Three minutes later, sophomore Will Farmer served an offensive zone throw-in within the Flushing goalie box. Junior Luke Wilson was able to capitalize on the ball as it deflected through the Flushing defense and scored Lake Orion’s fifth goal.
With approximately seven minutes remaining in the game, Flushing was able to find a gap in the Dragon defense and keeper, scoring a near-post goal to bring the game score to 5-1.
Managing Editor Jim Newell contributed to this report.