Lions fall short to Mason City, 2-1

(Above) Clear Lake’s Sam Pedelty works the ball down field during Monday night’s match-up with Mason City.  -Reporter photo by Chris Barragy

The Clear Lake boys soccer team hosted Mason City on Senior Night Monday, May 16.  The match reflected the Lions’ never give up” attitude this season.  Unfortunately, the team came out on the short end of a 2-1 score.

The Lions spotted Mason City a two goal lead, allowing scores in the sixth and 22nd minute of the first half.

“Once again finding ourselves in a hole, we buckled down and went to work,” said Coach Matt Anderson.  “Unfortunately even with dominating possession of the ball, field, and flow of the second half we couldn’t get an equalizer goal to send the match into over time.”

In the 78th minute Clear Lake’s Jarod Anderson sent the corner kick into the keeper box and Tanner Berger finished it for the Lions’ only goal.

“We have 10 seniors on this year’s class.  I’ve been with most these boys for over a decade,” said Coach Matt Anderson.  “It’s been a great ride and gone by so quickly.  From U8 North Iowa Soccer, to IPSL travel games, and now high school soccer they’ve been a great group and enjoyable to be around.  I consider myself fortunate to have gotten to play with, coach, and build relationships with these young men.  This has been an up and down season for us but these guys respond and don’t ever quit.  This match was no different.”

The coach said the focus of the team will now be to play with a sense of urgency and intensity from the beginning of the match.

“This is the time of year when wins and losses do not matter anymore; you win and you get to play another game.  One game at a time you just have to win.  This group has worked hard enough and are talented enough to play with anyone, we just have to step up and play to our ability.”

The Lions met Garner-Hayfield-Ventura in the opening round of post-season play Monday night, May 23.  Clear Lake was victorious, 6-5, in double overtime in the Class 1A match.  The Lions are scheduled to play tonight (Wednesday, May 25) at 6:30 p.m. in Reinbeck against GCGR, Gladbrook-Reinbeck, which had a first round bye.