Senior Michael Nacy grabbed his loose shoe off the field and quickly ran forward as Lake Orion players moved in.
The defenseman blocked the Dragons from invading Clarkston territory during the first overtime period in the boys district playoff game, Oct. 19.
His dedication and the team’s kept them going during the hard-fought battle against their rivals.
A goal from Dragon Jesus Ginez, with two minutes left in the first overtime period, ended the game, 2-1.
“It was a tough game,” said Wolves Soccer Coach Chuck Lawhorn. “Everyone gave it everything they had today. I am proud of these guys for that.”
The first half in the boys district playoff game ended with both teams scoreless, led by Clarkston’s quick footwork and thinking.
The Wolves drove forward to Lake Orion’s goal at the beginning of the next half.
Within three minutes senior Alex Wilson put Clarkston on the board. As Clarkston put pressure on Lake Orion’s defense a small space of opportunity opened.
After receiving a pass from Conor Bright, Wilson took the chance and kicked the ball into the center of the net.
“It was a fantastic goal,” said Lawhorn. “He has worked hard on top all year. A lot of his goals weren’t only because he is fast but because he hustles and works really hard.”
Following the goal the Dragons moved the ball into Clarkston territory.
Wolves’ fans began to chant as Lake Orion crowded around the net and took their shot.
Senior Tim Rogers stopped it from going in and defense went back to work blocking them.
With 31:01 left in the game, Lake Orion’s Jacob Simms tied the score.
The boys made six shots on goal and Rogers had two saves on the net.
“Our defense had a really good game,” said Lawhorn. “We just had a couple of bounces that didn’t go our way. These last couple of week our defense and goalkeeper have played fantastic.”
It was the last few weeks that helped the boys improve from their last game against Lake Orion, when they lost 5-0, early in the season.
“They believed they could beat this team,” said Lawhorn. “This is a completely different team than it was two months ago. They really played well. They morphed into what I believe is an excellent team.”
The boys end the season with a 8-7-4 record and lose 13 seniors.
“It’s going to be tough to replace these guys,” said Lawhorn. “There are a lot of fantastic players and fantastic teammates in this group. Next year will be an interesting year and a rebuilding year. Hopefully more of a reloading year. But these guys, you can’t replace them. You have other players come in and do the best they can, but they won’t be these players.”
Though the team didn’t make it as far as they wanted in the playoffs, Lawhorn knows the underclassmen took away a lesson they can use next year.
“They got a taste of success near the end of the season,” he said. “Now they will have some playoff experience. They know how to play under these circumstances ? there is a lot of pressure and challenges to continue.”