The fight the Wolves had during their first half against Rochester Adams on Thursday led them to a win against the OAA Red foes.
After a scoreless first half and the opponents up by one point, Clarkston came back for a 2-1 win.
“They played really well,” said Clarkston Boys Varsity Soccer Coach Chuck Lawhorn. “We were down and they kept pushing and kept attacking.”
Jordan Kieft took his shot on the goal in the second half. The Highlander’s goalie missed stopping the shot, allowing the Wolves to tie the score. Ryne Jones put the boys into the lead with his goal.
“A lot of kids I have on the team now haven’t beaten Adams on the varsity or JV level,” Lawhorn added about the boys’ motivation. “Adams always has a fantastic program and their kids always have standout players. Our kids wanted it more and they worked harder. The end result showed that.”
The seniors were another factor in the victory, said Lawhorn.
“We really have a motivated group of seniors,” added Lawhorn. “They want to make up for the past. Maybe they will avenge some losses here and there like they did with the Lake Orion and Adams wins.”
A key to the match against Rochester Adams was the Wolves’ defense with their control of the ball and building an attack from the back line.
“They did really well,” said Lawhorn.
The boys lost to Detroit Catholic Central on Aug. 29, 2-0.
“The first half we came out a little bit flat,” Lawhorn admitted. “We had a bit of a little disorganization in the back. We let a couple get through. The second half, we played a lot better and controlled the game.”
The boys had more opportunities in the second half as well, but they didn’t fall in favor for the Wolves. They made five shots on the net and saved four of DCC’s shots.
“Jimmy Todd and Trevor Smith played really well,” Lawhorn noted. “Jimmy was playing on the outside mid and was doing a great job controlling the ball, making a lot of great passes, joining the attack and helping maintaining possession.”
Clarkston opened this week against Troy on Tuesday, both went in with 2-0 record in the OAA Red.
“Troy lost one of their best players last year,” said Lawhorn. “They have a lot of good guys returning including everyone on their back line. It will be tough to break through their defense.”
The Wolves head to Oxford on Saturday for the Wildcats’ soccer invitational. They face Oxford and Goodrich.
“We played Oxford last year,” Lawhorn said. “They had a couple guys that were good players. You could tell they were rebuilding the program. Goodrich was state championship in Division 2 a couple of years ago. I know the coach there and he usually has them ready to go. Plus, their kids work hard.”
The boys have an opportunity to play Lake Orion again if they make it to the final round. They could also play Brandon or Midland Dow. They open at Oxford High School at 10:30 a.m., 745 N. Oxford Road.