SAULT STE. MARIE, Ont. – A free kick goal from Ryan Marchan early in the second half proved to be the difference as the Algoma Thunderbirds defeated the Western Mustangs 2-1 on Sunday afternoon at Superior Heights Field.
 
Western moves to 7-3-3 with the loss, and the Mustangs hold down fourth place in the OUA West. Algoma improves their record to 2-10-0 with Sunday's win.
 
The Mustangs controlled the play throughout the game, outshooting their opponents 16-3 in the first half. Luca Trivisonno put the Mustangs on the board in the 21st minute with his second goal of the weekend.
 
Algoma tied things up in the final minutes of the first half off a goal from Brandon Bangambee to send the team's into the locker room tied 1-1.
 
The Thunderbirds would go ahead five minutes into the second half, with Marchan scoring on a free kick at the 48-minute mark to give the home side a 2-1 lead.
 
Western continued to control the play in the second half, generating 11 shots compared to two from the Thunderbirds, however Algoma would escape with a 2-1 win.
 
Next up for the Mustangs is the team's final home game of the regular season on Saturday, October 14, against the Laurier Golden Hawks. Game time is set for 3:15 p.m. at Mustang Field.