Soccer scores third consecutive win

Clare Pioneer soccer is slowly building a winning record, posting its third consecutive victory September 8 against McBain NMC , 4-3.  The win improves the teams record to 3-3-0 overall and 3-2-0 in the Northern Michigan Soccer League. 

   Clare started the scoring when junior Ian Whiteman dispossessed a McBain defender and passed a great ball to senior Vincent Hinojosa.  Hinojosa collected the pass and completed the scoring chance by striking a brilliant shot into the corner low to the goalkeeper’s left. 

   More midfield defense, this time by senior Gabe Kruskamp, created a second scoring chance for Clare.  Kruskamp took the ball off a McBain player and initiated some great passing, Kruskamp to Khua Thawng (sophomore) to Whiteman to Hinojosa, who once again took the ball to goal and beat the keeper to his

   McBain found the back of the twine twice in the first half as well.  A ball deep into the Pioneer backline was misplayed, resulting in an own goal by the Pioneers.  A second goal by the visiting team came honestly.  A low shot was saved by Pioneer senior goalkeeper Ricky Lucas, but the rebound was played across the goalmouth by a McBain player to his teammate who scored.

   The first half ended tied 2-2. The intensity in the second stanza was palpable.  The cheers by fans of both teams resounded in the air as the two squads fought up and down the pitch. 

   It was a handball called in the penalty area against McBain that threatened to put a close to the match.  Hinojosa approached the ball from twelve yards away and coolly completed his hat-trick. 

   The game-winning goal, however, was scored by Kruskamp off a low-driven cross from senior Jay Jessup.  After a deflection the ball settled at Kruskamp’s foot, and he put it nicely past the goalkeeper into the back of the net.

   McBain managed its third goal off a corner kick, but it wasn’t enough as Clare went on to win its third straight.

   Clare plays its next match September 10 against the Houghton Lake Bobcats at Brookwood Athletic Complex.  “A win against Houghton Lake puts us into first place in our division.  It’s a big game,” stated Coach Doug Helmling after the win.

Game Stats:

Vincent Hinojosa                      3 goals

Ian Whiteman                           2 assists

Gabe Kruskamp                       1 goal

Jay Jessup                                1 assist

Clare Pioneer soccer is slowly building a winning record, posting its third consecutive victory September 8 against McBain NMC , 4-3.  The win improves the teams record to 3-3-0 overall and 3-2-0 in the Northern Michigan Soccer League. 

   Clare started the scoring when junior Ian Whiteman dispossessed a McBain defender and passed a great ball to senior Vincent Hinojosa.  Hinojosa collected the pass and completed the scoring chance by striking a brilliant shot into the corner low to the goalkeeper’s left. 

   More midfield defense, this time by senior Gabe Kruskamp, created a second scoring chance for Clare.  Kruskamp took the ball off a McBain player and initiated some great passing, Kruskamp to Khua Thawng (sophomore) to Whiteman to Hinojosa, who once again took the ball to goal and beat the keeper to his

   McBain found the back of the twine twice in the first half as well.  A ball deep into the Pioneer backline was misplayed, resulting in an own goal by the Pioneers.  A second goal by the visiting team came honestly.  A low shot was saved by Pioneer senior goalkeeper Ricky Lucas, but the rebound was played across the goalmouth by a McBain player to his teammate who scored.

   The first half ended tied 2-2. The intensity in the second stanza was palpable.  The cheers by fans of both teams resounded in the air as the two squads fought up and down the pitch. 

   It was a handball called in the penalty area against McBain that threatened to put a close to the match.  Hinojosa approached the ball from twelve yards away and coolly completed his hat-trick. 

   The game-winning goal, however, was scored by Kruskamp off a low-driven cross from senior Jay Jessup.  After a deflection the ball settled at Kruskamp’s foot, and he put it nicely past the goalkeeper into the back of the net.

   McBain managed its third goal off a corner kick, but it wasn’t enough as Clare went on to win its third straight.

   Clare plays its next match September 10 against the Houghton Lake Bobcats at Brookwood Athletic Complex.  “A win against Houghton Lake puts us into first place in our division.  It’s a big game,” stated Coach Doug Helmling after the win.

Game Stats:

Vincent Hinojosa                      3 goals

Ian Whiteman                           2 assists

Gabe Kruskamp                       1 goal

Jay Jessup                                1 assist