by Ben Murphy
Sports Writer
The Clare soccer team was able to play at home against Howard City Tri-County in their Division 3 district semi-final match on Monday. The Pioneers put up two goals in each half, allowing them to continue their season with a 4-1 victory.
“Although we won 4-1, we started off a little slow,” head coach Jim Bond said. “Not sure if it was nerves, the week off with the bye, or the weather, but we were struggling at the beginning of the game. Fortunately, we picked things up and got better as the game went along.”
Clare netted its first goal on a Daniel Stevens goal 14 minutes in, and in the 31st minute, Brogan Russell netted the next tally, making it 2-0 at the half.
Tri-County scored off a rebound to pull within 2-1 about five minutes into the second half, but Clare booted in goals by Russell and Keagan Hill to make it 4-1. Hill’s goal came off a Liam Corp corner kick that he was able to head into the net.
“I thought we played better in the second half,” Bond said.
Josh Zeilinger was in goal and made two saves.
Clare (11-3-4 overall) played against Alma in the district championship on Thursday. The winner of that game plays in the regional semi-finals in Clare on Tuesday against Manistee.