Junior Reed Losee stood ready to take a free kick against Clarkston’s with five minutes left in last Thursday night’s game.
Earlier in the season, the Dragons lost to the Wolves in a shutout at home, 2-0. The boys hoped to retaliate and give their cross-town rivals a loss at home.
This time, with Clarkston ahead 1-0, Losee took his shot.
Wolves? keeper Scott Messer made the save.
Moments later, a shot from Clarkston’s Kevin Pinkos went in, giving the Wolves another 2-0 win.
‘I thought you saw two quality teams and I thought a very hard fought game,? said Lake Orion Coach Matt Paukovits. ‘I think our kids gave a lot of effort and energy. I was pleased with our game and I think if we clean things up here and there we will be alright.?
The Dragons controlled the ball for most of the game, but trailed 1-0 at the break.
In the closing minutes of the first half, the Wolves? Brandon Verlinden put a shot on net that was deflected by Lake Orion keeper Aram Keteyian.
Clarkston’s Zech Moore was first to the ball, however, and stuck it in for the game’s first tally.
The Dragons had eight shots on net and Keteyian saved five shots during the game.
‘Both teams had chances and they capitalized on one or two of theirs,? said Paukovits. ‘We needed to do the same. We just didn’t get that.?
‘I think they (Lake Orion) are very dangerous. Both times we played them they had the same opportunities we did, we capitalized on them,? said Clarkston Varsity Coach Adam Bican. ‘Some of those games can go either way. They are a very good team, lots of talent.?
The Dragons still have several games to go before district playoffs begin, and they look forward to another match against Clarkston.
The team rebounded Monday night with a 2-0 victory over visiting Athens. They improved to 6-5 overall and 4-4 in the OAA Red with the win.
Next for the boys is a home game with Rochester on Thursday night.
Paukovits thinks the team looks good going into the game.
‘We are trying to make some changes,? he said. ‘We have seven new players added to the lineup and we are trying to gel. We are trying to figure out who’s who and what they are capable of.?