CL boys fall to Hudson, 6-0

The Clear Lake soccer team is in the heart of its season, playing four matches in the past week against quality competition.

Hudson 6, CL 0

On Monday, May 1, the Lions played host to Hudson, who had a record of 8-1 coming into the match with their only loss being their season opener.   The visitor kept their win streak alive with a 6-0 victory.

“I was anticipating Hudson to be very organized and well coached.  I did not anticipate was how well they enjoyed playing in nasty soccer conditions,” said Clear Lake Coach Matt Anderson.

Hudson made the most of the cold, rainy night with their first goal in the second minute, followed by another in the fifth minute.  With 22 minutes played Hudson had recorded four goals and never looked back.

“Hudson absolutely dominated us on all side of the pitch,” said Anderson.  “They won most the 50/50 balls, held ball possession, and took advantage of us with throw-ins which lead directly to uncontested attacks on our keeper.  Our communication and desire to win will have to improve if we are going to find success this year.”

Aaron Canchola, Rhys Glidden, Dylan Clapper and Torian Lee did not let the weather dampen their resolve to compete.

The Lions’ best attack on Hudson came three minutes into the second half when Sam Pedelty got involved in the attack on goal.  Pedelty ripped a shot at the keeper, which he barely managed to get a hand on.  The shot on goal resulted in a corner kick for the Lions, but it could not be converted into a goal.

Waverly Tournament

After video review and three solid days of practice, Coach Anderson felt his team was ready to go at the Waverly Soccer Tournament held on Saturday, May 6.

The Lions’ first match of the tournament was against Class 2A Decorah.  The match did not get off to the start the Lions needed for a quality tournament.  Decorah scored a goal in the first :30 sec

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onds of the match and the last :30 seconds before half time to take a 2-0 lead into the halftime break.  Decorah added a third goal to their totals in the second half and won the match 3-0.

“We actually played fairly decent, minus the one minute lapse in the first half and the goal in the second half.  We had moments of really organized soccer and communication, which always lead to positive results.  Our ability to possess the ball and create movement appeared to be getting on track.  We clearly need to be more focused at the start of the contests and play more consistently through out the entire contest,” said Anderson.

Benton Community, another 2A school, currently ranked 16th in Class 2A was Clear Lake’s next match of the tournament.  Again, the opening minutes of play came under fire.  The Lions gave up goals in the fifth, 12th and 27th minutes of the first half, providing  Benton with a 3-0 lead at half time.

“Once we were done giving goals away, we again played some fairly decent soccer,” said Anderson.  “We did not manage to get any balls into the net, but as a team we stepped up our level of play and Benton did not record any additional goals either.  It seems simple to think if we are capable of playing a quality team completely even for an entire half, then we should just do that for both halves and end the game with a shoot out, especially with all the practice we have had this season with shoot outs.  I like our chances of pulling out the win in those situations.”

The Lions finished the tournament matched up against Spirit Lake.  Aaron Canchola had his way with the Spirit Lake squad early on in the contest by recording two quick goals.

“Canchola worked hard in every match this weekend so it was nice to see him finally get some payment for his efforts,” said his coach.

Unfortunately, Spirit Lake had an answer to the Lions’ two goals and responded with three of their own in the first half.  “I challenged the boys to show me, prove to me, they are tired of losing.  My boys responded by giving me the most consistent, intentional, hard charging attacks on goal we have had as a team, all season.  The desire and intensity which the total group showed in the second half of this contest is exactly what we need to have as a team for 80 minutes of every contest,” said Anderson.  “Spirit Lake managed another goal in the final two minutes of the match to win 4-2 but it only came as a result of a formation adjustment by ourselves in an attempt to get the equalizer goal.”

The coach and team noted the best part of the weekend tournament is the fans, parents, and family.  “Every year Clear Lake has the best spread of food, fruits, goodies, and drinks available to our soccer family which makes for a very enjoyable event.  A special thank you to Leslie Finn for organizing the food and to all the parents who donated items.  The coaches and players are extremely thankful for your donations and support.”

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