03/29/2024
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ELIZABETHTOWN – Clinton scored on a penalty kick in the 56th minute to snap a 1-1 tie and edge East Bladen 2-1 Wednesday night in Four County Conference men’s soccer action.

“I thought we controlled the first 20 minutes of the game,” said Eagle Coach Jay Raynor. “We were getting to balls that they weren’t. They had a hard time breaking us down and we were able to jump their passes and get on the attack. We had several good looks early and had a great chance to go ahead.”

That great chance came on a free kick from 25 yards out. Senior Grey Cabellero played a ball to junior Brooks McGill who sent the ball toward a wide-open back post. However the Eagles failed to execute and complete the play.

Logan Spell scored the first Dark Horse goal in the 14th minute. East Bladen goalie Spencer Scott was in position and made the save, but it just popped out and fell into the net.

The Eagles tied the score 15 minutes later. McGill took a long pass from sophmore Greyson Heustess, went to the goal and fired the shot past the keeper on the back post. “It was a good look and a clinical finish,” said Raynor.

The score was tied 1-1 at halftime. “We didn’t make any real adjustments at half,” said Coach Raynor. “We just talked about continuing to do what we do and limit our mistakes. They wanted to knock the ball around and switch field but were having trouble breaking us down.”

“We started off hard in the second half but that faded as the game went on,” continued Raynor. “We hit the wall about the 55th minute. From that point forward the 50/50 balls that we had been winning, they started to win. The shots that we were stopping and blocking, all of a sudden were getting to Spencer.”

About the foul and penalty kick that produced the winning goal, Raynor said, “That is a mistake that we have to not make. Youth and inexperience are somewhat of the problem there, but being tired and our legs going is the main reason. Their player put the ball in the right corner for the score.”

The Eagles didn’t hang their heads after the Dark Horse goal. “We responded well and turned the fire back up,” continued Coach Raynor. “Our forwards had several good pushes and were fouled many times in their half for free kicks. We earned right many of those tonight but didn’t turn any of those into anything. That’s an area we must do better in.”

McGill and freshman Jake Evans had some good scoring chances in the final 20 minutes. The Clinton keeper made a spectacular save on an Evans shot by pushing the shot out of play with his right hand.

“All in all it was a heck of a game!” said Coach Raynor. “Everyone of the boys left it on the field. Clinton is always strong and they play a very physical brand of soccer. They did whatever they wanted to last year to us beating us 8-0 and 9-1. The guys remembered that.”

“Our guys wanted to prove that they deserve to be on the same field and in the conversation when you talk about top teams in the area,” continued Raynor. “They did just that. They lost to the No. 2 team in 2A in the state 2-1 and gave them all they had. Take a mistake here and there away tonight and maybe that score line changes, who knows. What I do know is that I am extremely proud of the effort and the growth of these guys.”

“Once again the backline, Dan (Tatum), Ezequiel (Arteaga), Keshaun (Davis), Gabe (Barber), and Spencer did a tremendous job,” said Raynor. “All of those guys held their own tonight. They all work well together and don’t back down. They were locked in tonight. Clinton is always good on corner kicks and set pieces. We cleared all those and made sure they didn’t put any of those in.”

Goalie Spencer Scott recorded 12 saves in the game and had “a phenomenal night” according to Coach Raynor.

“Grey and Pierce (Melvin) had big nights as well,” added Coach Raynor. “They were able to have some freedom due to the backline’s level of play today. Caleb (Hatchell) did a great job at holding midfield today and won a lot of 50/50 balls which put us right back on the attack.”

“My guys are capable of this type of performance day in and day out,” concluded Raynor. “They wanted it. I could tell from their body language and their warm-ups. They were focused and wanted it.  You hate it for them that they didn’t get the result. Hopefully it lets them know what they are capable of.”

The Eagles are now 5-2-1 overall and 1-1 in league play and will travel to Pender Monday night.

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