While, riding a seven-game losing streak, the last thing a team wants to see is the first place team next on the schedule.
That’s exactly what the Clarkston girls soccer team faced on May 2, but the game turned out to be just what the team needed.
The Wolves tied Stoney Creek 2-2 to end their losing streak. Clarkston Coach Sarah Smith said the tie couldn’t have come at a better time.
‘I think it did a lot for our confidence,? Smith said. ‘The team can now take the field and be confident. They know now they can play with the good teams.?
Goalkeeper Emily Pierce made several key saves in the second half for Clarkston. Pierce finished the day with 15 saves for the Wolves.
‘She’s kept us in a lot of games,? Smith said. ‘She’s very focused. She made some saves I thought were going in for sure. She keeps the defense and the team focused.?
Angela Humphreys assisted on both of Clarkston’s goals. Humphreys set up Danielle Thomas to tie the game at one mid-way through the second half. Ten mintues later Caitlin Smith converted a Humphreys pass to tie the game at two.
Smith said she was very pleased the team was able to comeback after the Cougars took the lead twice.
‘The other team has always scored first on us and after that happened my girls had a hard time thinking we could comeback,? Smith said. ‘Stoney Creek took the lead twice, but we still tied. It showed them we can still comeback and to always keep their heads in the game.?
Smith also believes the team is beginning to work together.
‘We have improved communication. For a while our offense and defense used to be like two separate teams. Now, they work together,? Smith said. ‘They also are beginning to understand what to do under pressure. We are a young team who gets nervous under pressure. We have learned not to get mentally taken out of a game by the other team.?
Smith is adjusting to her first year as head coach at Clarkston, but thinks her and the team are beginning to get more comfortable.
‘I can see them bonding as a team and they are giving me more feedback,? Smith said. ‘They are more likely to ask now if they don’t understand something or are uncomfortable with something. Before they didn’t say anything.?
Clarkston will try to earn more points in the league standings when it faces Royal Oak Dondero on May 9 and Seaholm on May 11, Smith said the team is looking forward to both games, ‘We lost 1-0 to both teams and are looking forward to a rematch,? Smith said.