CL soccer team ends season in second round of Sub-State

by Marianne Gasaway

Humboldt topped Clear Lake in an all-important rubber match Wednesday, May 22, ending the season for the Lions in the second round of Sub-State play.

CL 2, Postville 1

The Lions opened Sub-State with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Postville Monday, May 20, at Waverly.  Postville came into the game with a 9-7 record, while the Lions were 7-11.

The teams played an even first half, with both feeling each other out since they had not met on the field this season.  Both teams had some good possessions, with several chances at goal.

Postville was able to capitalize on a Lion mistake and headed in the first goal for a 1-0 lead.

“We shut off for just a second and got caught ball watching, which allowed them to have a free header from about six-yards out and get one past goalkeeper Joel Groeneweg,” said Coach Zach Hall.

The Lions pushed hard to equalize and several minutes later Jacob Petersen made a great individual effort to the goal on an effective pass by Sam Badger to get one past the Postville keeper and even the score at 1-1.

The second half was more back and forth with good chances, but nothing to show for it.

Regulation ended with a 1-1 score, sending the match to overtime— two periods of 10 minutes, golden goal style, then to penalties if the game was still tied.

In the first overtime period Clear Lake had a majority of the ball possession and made gains toward their goal.  Coach Hall said his team could tell Postville players were getting tired and had several more good chances at goal, with one shot going off the inside of the post.

In the second period, both teams were getting tired and neither could score.

In the penalty period, the Lions won the toss and elected to kick first. Jacob Petersen, Hunter Nielsen and Will Finn all converted their penalties, while Joel Groeneweg saved two of Postvillle’s first three penalties. Sam Badger came up and advanced the Lions to the next round by scoring.  He calmly slotted his penalty home and Clear Lake advanced to the second round on penalties.

Humboldt 2, CL 0

The Lions traveled to Humboldt Wednesday to face the Wildcats, who had beaten North Fayette Valley on Monday. A defensive battle found the Lions on the short end of a 2-0 score, ending the season for the team.

“Humboldt is a familiar opponent, as we split the regular season with them one win and one loss,” explained Coach Hall.

The match was played under windy conditions, with the Lions having the wind the first half.

“We were pushing hard to use it to our advantage and get a goal or two.  Unfortunately, our touches and passing were off just enough to prevent us from getting many good chances at their goal,” said Coach Hall.  “At times, we were hesitant to pressure Humboldt when they had the ball and they seemed to be winning the majority of 50/50 balls. We got unlucky when Humboldt was able to get a shot past goalkeeper Joel Groeneweg in the last minute of the first half to go up 1-0.”

The Lions came out with more intensity and a good sense of urgency in their game in the second half, according to the coach.   “Going into the wind was a challenge, but our possession and passing was better.”

Humboldt was able to go up 2-0 with the help of the wind and chipped a second goal over Groeneweg, who was coming out to challenge the ball.

The Wildcats sat back with a two goal lead and the Lions were unable to get through all their bodies in front of goal to get back into the game.

“It was a disappointing end to a good season with a great group of young men,” said Coach Hall.  “We made some good

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strides forward as a team and surpassed our win total by two over last year.  Everyone worked together, practiced and played hard everyday. Coach Fyfe and I were fortunate to have a great group of 10 seniors who led the team from day one and we will miss their experience and leadership. We have a good core of underclassmen that we will look forward to moving the Lions soccer program forward next year.”

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