Clear Lake girls defeat Cardinals, 2-1, on soccer field

(Above) GHV’s Allison Johnson and Clear Lake’s Sophie Ollenburg fight for control of the ball during Monday night’s game.  -Reporter photo by Chris Barragy

by Marianne Gasaway

Clear Lake traveled to Garner Monday, May 6, to play under the lights.  The Lions skimmed by the host Cardinals, 2-1.

“It’s one of my favorite games of the season. Not too often do we play under the lights and when we do it’s always a battle between the teams,” said Clear Lake Coach Greg Jennings.

The Lions had some good looks at the goal early, but the Cardinal defense held tough. Finally, in the 30th minute, Alexia Whitehouse found the back of the net for the first time all season.  That put the Lions up 1-0 at half.

The second half was more of the same, a good physical game.

Whitehouse scored a second goal which was enough for the win.

“She played great. It’s good to see some of the scoring get spread around,” said Coach Jennings.

With the minutes approaching, the cardinals snuck in a beautiful set play goal from the 22, ending the game with a 2-1 Lions victory.

The Cardinal offense kept the pressure on throughout the match, taking 12 shots on goal, but scoring just once.  Chloe Johnson scored GHV’s only goal.  Johnson had nine shots in the game and four shots on goal.

Allison Johnson took seven shots, four on goal. Hailey Mullins, Jayden Frank and Abby Sokol each took one shot and one shot on goal.  Megan Eastman fired four shots and Macey Spilman took one.

GHV goalkeeper Liz Richardson played all 80-minutes and made four saves.