Kickers are looking forward to an exciting week as they host their Youth Soccer Night on Thursday.
“We are expecting a big crowd and have fun events planned,” said Clarkston Boys Varsity Soccer Coach Curtis Payment. “It is huge for our program. We play a Holly team that has had some pretty good results. I expect a tough game.”
He added it is a huge boost for the players to have kids from the community in the stands for the night.
“They all grew up going to youth night. They know how hot it is to go onto the field at half time,” Payment said. “They are really fired up for it.”
The boys are also fired up after going undefeated last week as they shut out two teams.
They beat Berkley on Sept. 10, 2-0. Brandon Reynolds opened the game with a shot into the low right corner of the net with an assist from Brad Schultz.
Jared D’Autremont sealed the game for the Wolves with his goal three minutes left in the game.
“Our ability to have good movement off the ball was the difference,” said Payment. “We were really organized in that game. Berkley didn’t have many opportunities. It is a tough place to play so we were happy.”
The Wolves followed it with a win over Goodrich on Friday, 3-0.
“We played pretty good,” said Payment, adding they had a lot opportunities to scores and held possession of the ball.
Schultz scored on the first goal five minutes after his first attempt.
“He had just gotten robbed by the goalie,” Payment said. “He wasn’t mopping around. He hit another laser and that one went in. He assisted on the other goals. He has really been productive.”
Alex Trim scored the second goal and Mitch McCord sealed Goodrich’s fate for the night putting the third goal in.
“It was off a corner kick and it got kicked around,” Payment said. “Mitch was pushed up from defense and was in a nice spot. He made a composed finish.”
The Wolves fired 12 shots on the net.
“Their goalie was exceptional,” Payment added. “We did have a lot of pressure. He made some great saves to keep them in.”
Cary Wilson recorded his third shut out in the net as he kept four shots out of Clarkston’s net.
The boys hosted Troy-Athens on Tuesday in a OAA Red battle and head in with a 7-3-2 overall record and 2-0-1 in the league.
“They have been on quite a roll,” Payment said going into the game. “It is huge. If we have any hope for a league title we have to win this game. If we do it will be a huge boost as we move forward.”
Youth Soccer Night on Thursday begins at 5:30 p.m. with the varsity game. Kids wearing their team jersey get into the game for free. Activities include shooting on the team goalies at half time and shooters receive a free hot dog, a kids raffle and prizes.