The two goals they got about two weeks ago held up. But they didn’t hold up their end of a promise they made to their coach at halftime.
Clarkston coach Tami Niemi said her team promised to score two goals in the second half against Andover, but failed. For failing to live up to their end of the bargain, the Wolves had to run some extra drills after the win.
The Clarkston girls varsity soccer team picked up a win, capping off the second portion of a senior night game, which was called back on May 13 against Andover due to poor weather. The game was made up May 24 at 5:30 p.m. and the Wolves resumed play with just over 13 minutes remaining in the first half with a 2-0 lead. Traditionally, varsity starts at around 7 p.m. Goals came from Emily Munchiando and Kelly Boskee with freshman Brittany Davis drawing an assist. Emily Pierce earned the shutout in net.
The Wolves began the night generating several scoring opportunities, but as has been the case throughout much of the season, failed to top them off with goals.
‘My young forwards (Brittany) and (Kristen) Mercado had chances, but they just couldn’t finish,? Niemi said.
That wasn’t the case on soccer youth night back in mid-May before the game was called. There, the Wolves were flying to the ball and scored twice. However, Niemi said the change in their routine played the biggest factor in her team appearing flat.
‘I think change is hard for us with it being an early game,? Niemi said. ‘They were flat. Coming out with half a game is tough and we didn’t get our usual warm up and there’s a routine that they’ve been in for so many weeks and I think to be out of that, I think that had something to do with it, but I don’t think they’re desire was lacking. This team has so much heart and dedication.?
The Wolves did get a boost last week as senior midfielder Liz Hardy returned to the lineup. Hardy had been out with a hamstring injury and is beginning to regain her form.
Also last week the Wolves tied Royal Oak Dondero 1-1 with the lone Clarkston goal coming from Ashley Hudson.
The Wolves hosted tied league rival Royal Oak Kimball May 25 and earned a 1-1 tie. Jenna Przbycien had the goal for Clarkston. The Wolves concluded regular season play May 26 at Troy Athens, but fell 3-0. The Wolves ended the regular season with a 6-7-5 overall record.
Districts begin in Grand Blanc June 3 with the Wolves taking on Flint Central. If Clarkston wins the first game, the Wolves would then take on Flint Carman-Ainsworth June 4 at 5:30 p.m. Carman-Ainsworth drew a first round bye. The district final is set for 10 a.m. June 5 where the Wolves, should they advance, would take on the winner of Grand Blanc and Davison. Niemi said Grand Blanc is the favorite to come out of the district.
So, what do the Wolves have to do in order to have a long and successful playoff run according to Niemi?
‘We’ve got a lot of work to do. We need to be smart. Finish, finish, finish. We need to work on finishing,? Niemi said.