CL Boys fall to Hudson in Sub-State action

Third-ranked (Class 2A) Hudson ended the season for the Clear Lake boys in Sub-State soccer action Wednesday, May 22.  Hudson, playing on its home field, defeated the Lions 2-1 in the Sub-State semi-final.

“Our season came to an end earlier than expected, or deserved, at Hudson,” said Coach Matt Anderson.  “I told the guys prior to the match if we played 80 minutes of Lion soccer, we’d prove we not only belonged on the same pitch with Hudson, but we would take the next step towards finishing our season.  The guys did everything I asked and played a full match.  It was an extremely tough loss to swallow. We certainly proved we belonged.”

Antonio DiMarco got the Lions on the board with a score off a direct kick in the 39th minute.  

Clear Lake held a 1-0 lead at halftime. Goalkeeper Bryson Hamilton had one save during the first 40-minutes.  

Four minutes into the second half, the center referee awarded a penalty kick to Hudson, which tied the match at 1-1.  

“Hamilton made a nice play on the ball, getting a hand on it, but the wet conditions didn’t help and it spun off his glove and in for the goal,” explained Anderson. 

The match remained even until the 71st minute, when Hudson got off a quality shot on goal for the 2-1 lead and final score.  

“The last nine-minutes of play were intense, as we had several opportunities which just did not go our way,” said the coach.  “We ended the contest with nine fouls to Hudson’s four.”

  Hamilton had two saves in the second half.

The Lions lost Garrett Kunzman to a broken collar bone a day before the Sub-state game, so Karen Lu had only one day to practice at a new position.  

“Lu did a great job filling the void,” said Coach Anderson.  “We were also without Brice Wilcke, who was my first man in, so you just wonder how different could it have been if we were at full strength?”

MJ Mixdorf stepped into a starting roll and played extremely well, giving the Lions a positive as they look to next year.  

“We’re losing a fine group of seniors,” added Coach Anderson.  “As juniors they bought into the idea that hard work pays off and set the tone for this year’s 11-5 season, a nice improvement from last year’s 7-7.  We’ll be looking to make equal improvements for next years season, earning an overdue date with State.”