The past week of action went from good to bad to worse for the Clarkston soccer team.
After an encouraging 5-0 win at Waterford Mott on April 18, the Wolves have dropped to games in a row: a 3-1 defeat against West Bloomfield at home on April 19 and a 4-0 loss at Stevenson on April 22 a team they tied 2-2 on April 6.
‘I’m afraid my girls don’t play as well in away games,? said Clarkston Coach Annette Richardson.
Clarkston has lost two their three road games on the year and stands at 3-4-1 on the season.
Against Stevenson, the Wolves struggled to get out of their defensive zone for most of the game and Richardson feels that communication on the field broke down as well, but still feels the team is on the right track.
‘We are improving from game to game, even if (the players) can’t see it yet,? said Richarson. ‘We are starting to get comfortable with one another.?
Richardson feels that Emily Munchiando, Amanda Leach, Taylor Hosner, Nikki Whiteford and Lauren Smith are becoming leaders on the field for the Wolves and she as a first-year coach is starting to get a better feel for the players strengths and weaknesses.
Goalscorers for Clarkston against Mott were Hosner, Christina Avery, Laura Gabriel and Jenna Przybycien (2). The 5-0 drubbing of the Corsairs was goalkeeper Emily Pierce’s third shutout of the season.
The loss to West Bloomfield was a bitter pill to swallow for Richardson.
‘I hate to say it but the officiating killed us against West Bloomfield,? said Richardson, who took exception to multiple offsides penalties she felt were incorrectly whistled and a missed offsides call on the Lakers which led to a late breakaway goal.
Britanny Davis scored Clarkston’s lone goal against West Bloomfield.
Up next for the Wolves is Seaholm on April 26 (inc.) followed by Dondero at home on April 28.
‘I imagine (Seaholm and Dondero) will be tough games,? said Richardson.