by Marianne Gasaway
For the second time in a week, Hampton-Dumont-CAL edged the Clear Lake boys soccer team, 2-1. This time the loss ended the Lions’ season in the Class 2A Substate 2 semi-finals.
“We came out strong and controlled most of the offensive possession and chances at goal in the first half,” said Coach Zach hall, whose team finished just below the Bulldogs in the final North Central standings following a 5-2 loss to H-D a week earlier.
The Lions were able to break through about halfway into the first half when Andrew Korenberg put away a cross on the back post that bounced its way through the box for a 1-0 Clear Lake lead at halftime.
Hampton-Dumont came out stronger in the second half and the two teams were evenly matched, going back and forth for most of the half.
The Bulldogs tied the game up on a corner that the Lions were unable to get cleared out with about 17 minutes left in the game. They took the lead on a counter attack goal that they snuck past the defense and goalkeeper with less than 10 minutes to play.
The Lions tied the game up with about two-minutes left on a corner kick, but the referee disallowed the goal because they called a foul had been committed on the H-D keeper.
The call ultimately ended Clear Lake’s season with a 9-7 overall record. They were 4-5 in the league.
“It’s always disappointing to end the season on a loss, but I am super proud of the team and their success and hard work this year,” said Coach Hall. “It was probably one of the most talented offensive teams I’ve had in my eight years with the team and it was great to see the defense come together as a unit and have success with 11 of 16 games allowing two goals or fewer.”
Webster City captured the North Central title with an 11-1 conference and 14-1 overall record. Humboldt was runner-up with a 10-1 and 16-1 record. Hampton-Dumont was 7-4, 9-7. With the win over Clear Lake Hampton-Dumont-CAL advanced to take on Webster City in the 2A Substate 2 championship. The Lynx shut out the Bulldogs, 8-0.
Webster City and Humboldt will both represent the North Central Conference in the State tournament.
