PETOSKEY – Traverse City West goalkeeper Trae Collins has stopped three penalty kicks this season, but none were bigger than the save he made in the final minute of the Titans’ 1-0 win over Petoskey Tuesday night.
Ian Robertson scored the only goal of the game and, fittingly, it came on a penalty kick early in the second half. Petoskey had several chances down the stretch, including a cross in that hit the crossbar.
But with under a minute to go, the Northmen got their best chance when they were awarded a penalty kick. Collins didn’t flinch.
“That’s Trae’s third PK save in 12 games. It’s unfortunate that we keep asking that of him but he’s a guy who’s embraced the idea that soccer’s a game of moments and that was a moment for him,” Titans head coach Matt Griesinger said after the game. “We capitalized on some moments and made some changes in the second half that benefitted us, most mental. But I’m really proud of the boys.”
It was a crucial victory for the Titans, who improve to 11-1-1 on the season and 5-0-1 in conference. TC West beat Petoskey 2-1 earlier this season and that was the Northmen’s only conference loss coming into play Tuesday. Due to the tie the Titans had against Alpena last week, Petoskey would have moved into first place in the Big North with a win.
With the loss and Alpena’s 4-3 win over Traverse City Central on Tuesday night, Petoskey actually falls into third place in the Big North standings behind TC West and Alpena. Petoskey will have a chance to take second place right back when the Northmen play at Alpena in their next game on Sep. 29.
Traverse City West meets Alpena in the final game of the regular season on Oct. 10th. In their next game, the Titans will face Cadillac at home on Sep. 29.
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