On August 26, 2026, the Manistee Mariners finally broke through a winless start to their season, edging past Benzie Central 1‑0 on a rain‑slick field in northern Michigan.
A Penalty That Sealed the Win
The breakthrough came in the 34th minute when Chauncey Manke was fouled inside the penalty area, drawing a whistle that allowed James Murray to step up and convert the spot‑kick. His low drive found the bottom corner, leaving the Benzie Central keeper rooted to the spot.
Manistee’s goalkeeper Layne Piper, who had already impressed with 16 saves in a prior encounter with the Huskies, was back between the posts and turned away several attempts, preserving the narrow lead.
The Mariners, now 1‑2 on the ledger, will next test their mettle in a neutral‑site clash against Manitowoc Lincoln at Ludington on August 29 at 10:30 a.m., before heading to Lakeview for a 4:30 p.m. match on August 28.