Time was winding down and the intensity was increasing on the field from both teams to make the next shot.
Isaac Platte kicked the ball from the 30 yard line as Holly defenders closed in on him. The ball sailed through the air into the top of Holly’s net and down into the corner giving the Wolves a two point lead.
The Bronchos were unable to score as the half finished and Clarkston will move onto the next round of District playoffs after winning, 3-1.
‘Isaac was the man of the match today,? said Clarkston Varsity Soccer Coach Adam Bican. ‘It was a good experience for the boys, a close game like this.?
Brandon Verlinden scored the first goal for the Wolves with 26 minutes left in the first half.
He struck again less than seven minutes later.
Holly’s goal keeper Danny Gregory came out of the box and Verlinden made a shot and it bounced off of a Holly player protecting the net.
He kicked the ball again, finishing the play with one more point on the scoreboard.
Kevin Papuga retaliated for Holly scoring a goal before the half finished.
The Wolves had nine shots on Holly’s goal and goalie Tim Rogers saved three shots made on Clarkston’s net.
Clarkston had to make a few changes to the roster because of injuries. They added five players from the JV team.
‘I think they played extremely hard. They fit into the system very well,? said Bican. ‘There was no adjustment time. I was very proud of our goalie Tim Rogers, too. He played extremely well.?
‘Clarkston has a great program here. That was a beautiful shot from Isaac Platte,? said Holly Head Soccer Coach Mike Steibel. ‘I am proud of my boys. They played with a lot of heart and a lot of intensity. It could have gone either way.?
The boys move on to play Lakeland on Wednesday at Lake Orion High School.
‘We will be ready for anything,? said Bican.
The game begins at 5 p.m.