Clare slips by Ovid-Elsie for narrow road win

By BEN MURPHY

Cleaver Sportswriter

There wasn’t much offense between Clare’s and Ovid Elsie’s soccer teams on Wednesday, Sept. 25. The visiting Pioneers had just enough to get the job done in the non-league game however, getting a slim 1-0 victory.

Silas Donaldson scored the only goal of the match with an assist by Isaiah Mulheron, with less than 30 seconds to play in the first half. Strong defensive play helped them secure things the rest of the way.

“Both teams had opportunities, but neither managed to score again and we won,” head coach Jim Bond said.

Josh Zeilinger was in goal and made 11 saves to secure the clean sheet.

On Monday, Sept. 23 Clare picked up a home Jack Pine Conference win in Pinconning, 2-1.

The Spartans scored the only goal of the first half, giving them a 1-0 lead at the break.

The Pioneers got on the board thanks to a Kolton Pung boot, with an assist by Jack Thompson. Sergio James sent in the game winner later in the half, also on an assist by Thompson.

Zeilinger was in net once again and got his hands on seven saves to help them secure the victory.

“We played a little sloppy, but cleaned things up in the second half,” Bond said.

All things considered, Bond was more than happy to pick up a pair of one goal victories last week; especially with one coming in league play.

“Wins are always nice to get,” Bond said. “We have had some tough games recently so these wins were especially good for our team morale.”

Clare (4-7-1 overall, 3-7-1 JPC) had a home league match with Ogemaw Heights on Monday, had a home contest with Gladwin on Wednesday, is at Alma today (Thursday) and will make the trip to Shepherd on Monday. They are also at Lakeview on Tuesday.