Clintonville keeps opponents scoreless in two games
By Scott Bellile
The Clintonville Truckers boys’ soccer team gave up zero goals in two games last weekend to win the Gresham Tournament title on Saturday, Aug. 29.
“Competing in the Gresham Tournament is a tradition for Clintonville and winning the title is a nice award for the guys’ hard work early in the season,” Truckers coach Roger Lupien said.
Clintonville 7, Antigo 0
The Truckers controlled the ball for the majority of the first tournament game. Lupien said his defenders and keepers did a fine job of hampering Antigo’s scoring opportunities.
“Unfortunately we again demonstrated our need to develop accurate shot makers,” Lupien said. “Our passing and help plays were adequate, but we seem to panic in the attack zone.”
Clintonville Shots on Goal: 32
Clintonville Saves (Bob McCoy and Nick Schoen): 7
Scoring: 23:15 Juan Santiago. 26:40 Garrett Kuss, assisted by Jesse Breitrick. 35:00 Josh Kuchenriter, assisted by Breitrick. 43:10 Ben Wespetal, assisted by Konnor Raddant. 52:30 Jordan Koeppen, Penalty Kick. 54:55 Juan Santiago. 55:41 Wespetal.
Clintonville 1, Gresham 0
Things got more physical for the Truckers in their other tournament game to keep up with Gresham’s quicker offense, Lupien said.
The team failed to capitalize on some opportunities to close in, but the defenders, midfielders and forwards all joined forces to play with control and ball possession, he said.
“And the good work by Goalie Bob McCoy allowed the Truckers to leave the pitch with their third shutout in four games, as well as the winner’s plaque,” Lupien said.
Clintonville Shots on Goal: 17
Clintonville Saves (Bob McCoy) 6
Scoring: 75:35 Ben Wespetal, assisted by Jordan Koeppen.
Shawano 3, Clintonville 1
CLINTONVILLE – In a nonconference home game Thursday, Aug. 27, the Truckers lost to the Hawks 3-1.
Juan Santiago put in Clintonville’s lone goal 81 minutes into the game with an assist by Garrett Kuss.
Amherst 0, Clintonville 0
CLINTONVILLE – Although the Truckers’ offense scored no goals, their defense prevented Amherst from making any moves at Clintonville’s season opener Aug. 25.
The Truckers took 15 shots on goal. Junior goalie Bob McCoy had seven saves.
Coach Roger Lupien said the Truckers played well for their first match of the season and they have picked out areas to work on.
“Our goal tonight was to possess the ball and take quality shots, and I thought that we did that,” Lupien said following the game.
The team had to shift players around after losing Jesse Breitrick to a knee injury, but Breitrick was back in action later that week in Gresham.
Amherst’s goalie blocked some tough shots by Kuss and Jordan Koeppen, Lupien said, and Ryan Krieser and Kyle Pensis on Clintonville’s defense made some nice stops.
