Clare plays to scoreless draw at Garber

By Ben Murphy

Cleaver Sportswriter

Playing in a late season soccer game on Friday, Clare competed over at Essexville-Garber. After 80 minutes of action, the Pioneers and Dukes left the non-league contest deadlocked, in a contest that resulted in a 0-0 tie.

“Garber is a young team, and they have struggled a little bit this year, but they passed the ball well and were organized,” head coach Jim Bond said. “We didn't play so well in the first half, mostly because I think they surprised us a little and were much better than expected. We made some changes in the second half and played much better, but unfortunately, we were unable to get the ball in the net.”

Josh Zeilinger played in goal for the team, making two saves to help preserve the draw.

On Wednesday, Oct. 2 the Pioneers took part in a home Jack Pine Conference match against Gladwin. This one ended in a tie as well, this time with 1-1 score.

The Flying G’s were able to tally the first goal of the contest, finding the back of the net as the end result of a corner kick.

The Pioneers were able to pull even before the half though, as Silas Donaldson booted in a well-placed pass from Sergio James. It was 1-1 at the intermission and neither team could find a goal in the final 40 minutes.

Zeilinger was once again in goal, making seven saves.

On Monday, Sept. 30 Clare came up short in a home JPC contest with Ogemaw Heights, 8-0. Zeilinger was able to get his hands in on seven saves.

Clare (4-8-3 overall) wrapped up the regular season on Monday at Shepherd. They also begin play in the Division 3 district tournament at home against Ogemaw Heights on Friday.

“We play Ogemaw in districts and to say we have struggled against them would be an understatement,” Bond said. “Getting the team to believe they can win is a big part of the challenge right now. We have a plan, but we just need to buy in and execute.”

© Clare County Cleaver