Lions beat GHV in season soccer opener

Coach Matt Anderson said he wasn’t quite sure what to expect in his team’s first soccer match of the season Tuesday, April 8.  What he saw gave him reason to be optimistic about the Lions’ year.

Clear Lake broke open a close match with Garner-Hayfield/Ventura in the second half and posted a 12-2 win.

“It was great getting outside and being able to compete.  It’s hard to know if your prepared for a match when the weather refuses to cooperate,” said Anderson.   “There’s plenty of things to work on with two big matches next week.”

Antonio DiMarco scored four goals and had two assists for the Lions, who were ahead 5-1 at half.

Ernie Miszewski and Jarod Anderson each finished with three goals in the win.  Anderson was also credited with an assist.

The remaining goals were netted by Jack Abbas and Jack Finn.  Finn also made an assist, along with Alex Gonzalez.  Chase Lester finished with two assists.

Jacob Hogan spent 61 minutes in the goal box recording four saves for the Lions.   Bryce Schmalen spent 19 minutes in the goal box, recording one save.

GHV Coach Eric Williams said said he believes a turning point in the match came just after the half.

“We found ourselves in a big hole early and at half were down 5-0.  But then :30 seconds into the second half we scored to make it 5-1.  Then two minutes later we had the ball towards the goal, with Teddy Zroslik looking at a good shot, but was fouled and we were not awarded the penalty kick.  I really feel that if we had gotten that goal, it would have been a difference in the game,” said Williams.

The coach also noted he felt his team played tired, coming off a double overtime win the night before against CAL.  “We were tired and just didn’t have the energy to overcome a deficit against a great team,” he added.

Scoring goals for the Cards were Dalton Basinger and Allan Devora.  Patrick Tenhark was credited with an assist.

The Lions had their Monday game against Mason City postponed until Tuesday.   Thursday they will be at W-SR.