Lions dominate in opening soccer games

The Clear Lake boys soccer team kicked off the season last week with a pair of dominating wins.  The Lions, ranked number three in the pre-season poll, scored 10 goals in wins over Garner-Hayfield/Ventura and Humboldt.

CL 10, GHV 1

The Clear Lake boys soccer team wasted no time showing why it is considered a Class 1A power this season.  The Lions dominated Garner-Hayfield/Ventura in its first game of the season, played Tuesday, April 7.  Clear Lake won, 10-1.

The weather was a challenge, but it didn’t stop the Lions.  

Jack Finn got the scoring going with the first three goals.  Ernie Miszewski got the next two goals and the team seemed to find a grove the rest of the contest. 

“Over all I was happy with our passing and attempts created for goal opportunities,” said Clear Lake Coach Matt Anderson.  “The defense seemed to take a little time to find their grove but once they did we had fairly good control, weather considering.”

Finn finished the game with three goals and one assist, while Miszewski had four goals.  Other Lion totals included Jarod Anderson with three assists; Tanner Berger, two goals and one assist; MJ Mixdorf , one goal, one assist; and Luis Padilla, one goal.

“We made a lot of mistakes and, as usual, they did not,” said GHV Coach Eric Williams.  “To beat Clear Lake we have to really play a solid 80 minutes.”

GHV goalie Jeremiah Loschen had eight goals scored upon him.  Chase Theobald had two.  Loschen made seven saves in the game while Theobald had two.

The GHV Coach said he did find bright spots in the match, primarily the way his freshmen played.  The Cardinals’ only goal came from Jonah Albertson, with an assist from Colton Schroeder, both freshmen.

“We will continue to play and practice hard and look forward to our next match against Clear Lake,” said Williams.

GHV did finish a nice one two combo for a goal in the second half to take away the shut out.  

The JV contest was cancelled due to the weather.

CL 10, Humboldt 0

  On Friday April 10, the Lions hosted a home match against Humboldt.   Coach Matt Anderson said before the game started, he challenged his players to get out to a quick start. They responded with an all out assault on Humboldt and won, 10-0.

“This season is going to be about setting the pace of the contest and establishing control of the ball throughout,” said Anderson.

Ernie Miszewski got the Lions going with a goal in the first, fifth and ninth minute of the contest.  

“It is probably the fastest hat trick in Clear Lake Soccer history,” said the coach.  The six goals Miszewski scored in the contest appear to be a school record, as well. 

“I’ve had a chance to look as far back as the 2010-2011 season and it holds true to that point.  I’ll have to do additional digging in the archives to finalize the record night,” said the coach.

Jarod Anderson also had a good night with three goals and two assists. Tanner Berger also had a goal.

Jack Finn was credited with three assists. MJ Mixdorf and Bryce Schmalen each had one assist.

“At half time I asked the defense to incorporate some passing we’ve been working on.  I first attempted to establish this three years ago, but the concept never really stuck.  We lost a lot of defensive talent last year so it has been a top priority to establish a new defensive line and ensure they are making positive decisions with the ball.  Zach Zwiefel, Luke Maring, Zach Welper, Parker Pitzen, and goal keeper Jacob Hogan had some great touches in the second half which is completely demoralizing for an offensive attack.  With our own offense clicking and a defense coming into themselves two games into the season I am extremely optimistic about our longevity this seasonm,” said Anderson.

The Lions welcome the fourth rated Waverly-Shell Rock (2A) team on Thursday, April 16, at 5:30 p.m.  “Waverly is an established and very well disciplined team,” said Anderson. “It will be a great contest for determining our level of play.”