ELIZABETHTOWN- Clinton scored a pair of first half goals and held on to edge East Bladen 2-1 Saturday night in a second round game in the NCHSAA Class 2A Men’s Soccer Play-offs.
The loss ended the season for the Eagles who posted a 21-2 record with both of those losses coming at the hands of the Dark Horses who advanced to a third round game at Kitty Hawk First Flight.
“Clinton won the kick and sent a big ball at our backline that beat us and were able to run onto it and score to go up 1-0,” said Eagle Coach Jay Raynor.
The Eagles ran a designed set piece off after the kick-off that sent the ball to senior Caleb Hatchell who beat a defender and then the keeper for the goal that tied the game 1-1.
“The game from that point was back and forth with neither team dominating,” said Coach Raynor. “With time running down in the half Clinton sent a ball into the box that resulted in a misplayed ball that we headed into our net. Just an unlucky play and situation. We responded well to that and the first goal extremely well. They boys fought and never gave up.”
The back and forth play continued in the second half. “I thought we controlled more of the game in the 2nd half as they sat back a little more to hold onto the one goal lead,” stated Raynor. “We earned our fair share of corner kicks but we were unable to capitalize on those chances. Both teams left it all on the field. My kids battled and did all they could.”
“Their depth was a factor as they were able to run some fresh legs in there,” continued Raynor. “I should’ve done better managing the last 25 minutes of the game. I thought we had a best look and tactics in-place. I had some ideas and subs to make but didn’t pull the trigger.”
“Tonight was a heavyweight boxing match. Both teams giving the other their best shots and both responded well,” said Coach Raynor. “Our backline were simply amazing tonight. Spencer (Scott), Dan (Tatum), Keshaun (Davis), and Ezequiel (Arteaga) did a phenomenal job. Probably the best game I have seen Ezequiel and Keshaun play. They were locked in and played some amazing soccer.”
Dan came up huge and helped make several crucial tackles in the game and towards the close of the game,” noted Raynor. “Spencer did what Spencer does and was great in net. He came up with some huge saves – one while he was caught off his line and made a one-handed stop.”
“Irvin (Hernandez), Jake (Evans), and Gabe (Barber) had tremendous nights as well,” added Raynor. “They all got banged around tonight and never quit. They locked the midfield down and made it extremely difficult for Clinton. It was a physical match but they kept going.”
“Brooks (McGill), Caleb, and Greyson (Heustess) left it all on the field,” said Raynor. “Caleb’s score was amazing. He was also knocked around a good bit out there tonight. Brooks was a marked man as he constantly had 2 or 3 guys around him to make his left difficult. He still managed to get some decent runs and looks at goal. Greyson helped win some 50/50 balls and also made some great runs on goal.”
“Really stinks for the game and the season to end,” continued Raynor. “We neutralized their ability to score on set pieces, but could have done better with the set pieces we earned. That’s something we must improve on. We were afraid that the game was going to come to set pieces and it did. We were best to first and second balls on 50/50 balls. It wasn’t for lack of effort – just was hard to do when we were getting knocked off the ball. We were outsized and out muscled and that was a issue.”
“Pierce (Melvin) really helped us control midfield,” said Raynor. “He busted his butt on both the attacking and defensive sides of the ball.”
Raynor praised the accomplishments of his team, “This group has gone from 6-14 years ago to 21-2. They scored 144 goals and only gave up 14 goals on the season – 5 of those to Clinton. They won the conference with a 14-0 record. This group has so much to be proud of. This one is on me and we have learned a lot to help us grow going into next year.”
Raynor concluded, “Going to miss our three seniors – Brooks, Caleb and our captain Jacob Barber. All three have been instrumental in growing our program and will leave some big holes to fill for next year. Those guys contributed a lot and will be tough to replace. Jacob and his leadership, demeanor, and passion will be hard to replace as a captain for next year. Those guys have made a huge impact on the program and their legacy will not be forgotten.”
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