Junior Alex Wilson saw his opportunity and moved forward to capitalize on the goalie’s position in Clarkston’s soccer game against Royal Oak.
The opposing goalie Wilson Jenkins moved out of the net to stop the incoming ball.
Wilson shot past Jenkins and put the ball into the left corner of the net 26:43 left in the second half. Jake Ray lent his feet for an assist.
The goal was the last in the game as the boys won their fifth shutout in the season, 2-0.
‘It was a good game,? said Coach Adam Bican. ‘Everybody played and it was a good effort.?
The boys held onto ball possession in the first half of Thursday’s game and made three shots on goal.
The next shot from sophomore Grant Huber made it in with four minutes remaining for the first goal in the game.
Royal Oak started the next half picking up momentum and pushing to make their goal.
Clarkston’s defense and goalie Andrew Campbell were up to the challenge and sent them away every time.
‘I think what happened was the boys played such a very good half they got a little complacent in the second half,? said Bican. ‘We will learn from it.?
Bican noticed Royal Oak upped their work rate about 100 percent which gave the boys some difficulty.
‘In the OAA, it doesn’t matter who it is, if you don’t match their work rate you are going to have difficulties. I do have to say – Grant played a fantastic game, Alex’s goal was very nice and Andrew played such a solid game.?
The boys won their game against Birmingham Seaholm on September 1, 2-0.
Junior Jarrett Kersten and freshman Conor Bright scored a goal each and Campbell made six saves.
‘I think it was a good test,? Bican said about the week. ‘Anytime you hop into the OAA Red division you have got to take care of business and we did that this week?
He added the boys learned lessons from both games and what they need to work on as they progress more into the season.
‘Defensively we are really coming into play,? said Bican. ‘I would really like to finish a few offensive opportunities. But I am very happy with 2-0 for the week and what’s great is everyone on the team plays. I can plug anyone into any position anytime.?
The Wolves played Rochester on Tuesday and play at home for their next two games, beginning with Rochester Adams on Thursday.
‘Adams is a highly skilled team and they have lots of talent,? Bican said. ‘It will be an extremely tough game, but I expect us to do well. They are one of the teams that want to challenge for the OAA title so it will be a nice measuring stick to see where we stand with other teams in the OAA.?
The boys host Avondale High School on Sept. 15 when they hold their annual Youth Soccer Night.
‘It should be a great night as youth soccer night always is,? said Bican. ‘Avondale is a hardworking blue collar team.?
Throughout the night prizes are given out and youngsters have a chance to win delicious hot dog when they score a goal during the soccer shootout.
JV plays at 5:30 p.m. and varsity follows for both home games.