A close match at halftime became lopsided quickly in the second half as the Algoma soccer team lost its season opener to Howards Grove/Elkhart Lake-Glenbeulah 8-3.

The two teams were tied at two at the break before the Tigers outscored the Wolves 6-1 in the second half to take the opening day victory.

The Wolves return to action on Thursday when they welcome Peshtigo for a 4:30 p.m. kickoff.

The Algoma Wolves open the 2026 soccer season with a home 4:30 p.m. match against Howards Grove/Elkhart Lake-Glenbeulah.

The Wolves are coming off a regional final appearance last season that saw them beat Wrightstown 2-1 to qualify before falling to Lourdes Academy.

New faces rendered the same results for the Algoma football team on Friday as they beat Newman Catholic 44-6.

The Wolves started fast with a 24-0 lead in the first quarter and never looked back. All of the Cardinals' points came in the fourth quarter with a running clock and the end result all but confirmed.

Ethan Melotte only completed two passes, but they both were for long touchdowns as he accumulated 110 yards through the air. Melotte also added a team-high 75 yards and a score on the ground while Jack Meverden (73 yards, two touchdowns) and Jack Schwader (62 yards, one touchdown) added to the rushing attack. Cooper Fay caught both passes for the Wolves. The Wolves defense pounced on opportunities as well with two interceptions and one fumble recovery.

The Wolves hit the road again on Thursday to face Wausaukee for a 7 p.m. kickoff. 

The Algoma Wolves will have a tough draw to start their season when they play in Wausau against Newman Catholic.

The Wolves graduated All-Conference selections Parker Lischka, Lane Cochart, and Joey Cabino, but welcome back fellow All-Conference honorees Kaden Bielawski and David Tebon into the fold. The Wolves went 6-2 last season with one of those wins coming against state semi-finalist Oakfield.

The Cardinals had a down year by their standards last season, going 5-4 including a 65-0 loss to Frederic in the opening round of the playoffs.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.