ALBION, Mich. – The large crowd that turned out at Alumni Field on the start of the Labor Day weekend watched Albion College make a spirited rally that came up short in a 3-2 loss to North Central (Ill.) College.

Albion spotted North Central a 3-0 lead as the Cardinals struck for two goals in a 33-second span early in the second half. T.J. Simmons tacked on his second goal of the contest with 30 minutes remaining.

Albion pushed offensively and it was rewarded with Kyle Alsheskie's tally off a Destin Simon assist. The Britons had an opportunity to trim the deficit to a goal with 15 minutes left, but Kurt Miller pushed a penalty kick to the right post.

Albion continued to mount offensive pressure and Antonio Pacifico put the ball in the net as time expired.

Albion finished the contest with a 16-11 edge in shots. Alsheskie and Miller were credited with three shots apiece, and Grant Juth produced two shots with one on goal.

Albion will complete its Labor Day competition at 4 p.m. Saturday with a home contest against Concordia University of Mequon, Wis.