The Muskegon Risers got off to a great start on Saturday night, jumping out to a three-goal lead, but ended up losing their first game of the season 7-6 to the host Chicago Mustangs in Major Indoor Soccer League 2 action.

The game-winning goal was scored by Chicago’s Alex Gomez 6:17 into overtime. The game only went to OT because Muskegon’s Steve Merker scored and forced a tie with only eight seconds left in regulation.

The Risers are now 1-1 on the season and will next play in their home opener against Cleveland on Jan. 7.  The Mustangs, who were playing their first game, are 1-0.

Ryan Zietlow, who scored two goals for the Risers on Saturday and now has five in two games. Photo/Tyler Morey

A big problem for the Risers were penalties, which forced them to play shorthanded in key situations of the game. Muskegon was given four blue cards for eight penalty minutes, along with a yellow card for unsportsmanlike conduct, resulting in a five-minute penalty.

All of the infractions came in the second half of the game when the outcome was very much in doubt.

Muskegon took a 3-0 lead in the first quarter on two goals from Ryan Zietlow and one from Brandon Dinsmore. Chicago answered with two goals, then Caue Oliveira scored for the Risers, who led 4-2 heading into the second.

The Mustangs added another goal before halftime, and the Risers led 4-3 at the break.

Muskegon’s Phibo Arriaga scored the lone goal of the third quarter, and Muskegon led 5-3 heading into the fourth.

The Risers were outscored 4-1 in the final quarter, then lost the game in overtime.

Chicago had a 7-6 advantage in shots on goal.