Sophomore Joey DeFinis led kickers to a victory over Rochester last Thursday with his goal late in the game put the Wolves, 2-1.
“Anytime you can get a win in our league it is a good win,” said Clarkston Boys Varsity Soccer Coach Chuck Lawhorn.
The Wolves held onto possession for the first 30 minutes of the game and kept Rochester from getting a chance to take the ball into their turf.
“We were making them chase us and chase the ball around which is what we want to do for the full 80 minutes,” Lawhorn said.
The Wolves? attempts didn’t get into the net until they received a penalty kick.
Junior Brad Schultz stepped up for the free shot and put it into the corner of the net with 10:32 in the first half, putting the boys 1-0. Chris Mueller tied the score with four minutes left in the half.
Rochester was down a player for the final 51 minutes of the game after the player received a red card.
The Wolves had an advantage but found disadvantages while being one man up on the Falcons.
“There were times in the second half we played well and controlled the ball like we should,” said Lawhorn. “There were times too that we were a little confused and got a little lax with our passing of the ball. We could have been better in the second half.”
It comes back to a pattern he has seen from the players so far this season – playing well for 20-30 minutes at a time but not throughout the entire game.
The game remained tied until senior Ryan Mangapora passed the ball to DeFinis with 6:21 left in the game.
DeFinis took the opportunity to put the ball in the net and bring the Wolves into the lead.
“They know how they can play because of those first 30 minutes,” said Lawhorn. “They know their potential and it will keep getting better from here.”
Grant Gotaas made six saves during the night, and the Wolves made six shots on the net.
“He did a good job in the net,” Lawhorn added. “Jimmy Todd, Joey and Brad – all played well.”
The boys played Troy Athens on Tuesday in a league game.
“They have a couple of dangerous players,” Lawhorn said going into the game. “There are no easy games in the OAA Red. We are going to have to play our best to beat Troy Athens.”
They have a week break before they head to Stoney Creek next Tuesday in a rematch after Clarkston’s loss to 3-1 loss on Aug. 30.
The win at Rochester put the Wolves record to 5-3, 1-1 in the OAA Red.