Clare soccer bounces back, topples Reed City, 8-0

By BEN MURPHY

Cleaver Sports Writer

Just one day after a disappointing loss to Standish-Sterling, the Clare soccer team was able to right the ship in a big way on Thursday, Sept. 10. The Pioneers were hosting Reed City in a non-league match-up, and they rolled to an 8-0 mercy-style victory.

“This was a really good game for us following the disappointing loss to Standish,” head coach Jim Bond said. “We moved the ball well the whole game and controlled everything from start to finish. It was nice to get a game where everyone got to contribute and get minutes. Hopefully we gain some momentum that we can carry into next weeks’ games.”

Sergio James had a big game, scoring four goals to help ensure the Pioneer victory. Kolten Pung, Lincoln Warner, Tucker Rowell and Ben McCaslin had one goal apiece. Warner and Carson Reihl also had two assists while Rowell and Ethan Kingsbury had one assist apiece.

The coach added that goalkeepers Tyler Thompson and Sutton Klaus were in goal for the contest to help get the shutout.

On Wednesday, Sept. 9, Clare lost a tough home Jack Pine Conference game with Standish-Sterling, 3-2.

“This was an unfortunate loss,” Bond said. “I feel like we played well enough to win, but things just didn't go our way. Really happy with how we responded in the second half.”

Clare did get a first half goal from James, with an assist by Rowell, but the visiting Panthers were able to get the upper hand by the half, leading 3-1.

Down two goals coming out of the half, the Pioneers amped up their efforts, and James eventually booted in a penalty kick to bring them within 3-2.

According to Bond, the Clare defense held strong the rest of the game, while their offense had several high-quality scoring chances on the other end, narrowly missing out on potential game tying goals.

Clare (4-2-1 overall, 2-2 Jack Pine) hosted Pinconning on Monday, they were at Gladwin on Wednesday, they’ll head for Hemlock on Friday and they’ll head for Alma on Sept. 24. The Pioneers also play at Ogemaw Heights on Sept. 28.