The 2012 boy’s soccer season kicked-off last week for the Truckers, with four non-conference games in five days.
Clintonville’s varsity team is predominantly freshman and sophomores, with four seniors providing valuable leadership.
The season began with a 2-1 loss to visiting Omro. The Truckers’ lone tally came on a beautiful interior pass from Devin Kestell to Paul Kenfield, who beat the Omro goalie to the short side. Senior goalkeeper Connor Ford recorded 14 saves, which kept the Truckers in the game.
On Thursday, the Truckers squared off with local rival Shawano. The Truckers got on the board first, with forward Conner Gehrke recording his first goal of the season. Shawano tied the score minutes later, and the half ended in a 1-1 tie. The second half was all Shawano, as they scored four goals to win the contest 5-1.
The Truckers played two games on Saturday. Northland Pines beat Clintonville 9-0, and Mosinee beat Clintonville by a score of 5-1. Austin Paisar scored Clintonville’s only goal, converting a penalty kick.
“We use these early, non-conference games to try different player combinations, and assess the skill sets of the new players,” said Coach Roger Lupien. “With so many underclassmen, it will take us a couple of games to figure out who can play where. Seniors Austin Paisar, Brady Persha and Connor Gehrke will provide most of the scoring, while Connor Ford resumes his goal keeping duties. I expect the younger guys to become accustomed to the speed and intensity of varsity soccer as the season progresses.”