Quick strikes lead Clarkston past Carman-Ainsworth
BY DAN STICKRADT
SENIOR EDITOR
dan.stickradt@northoaklandsports.com
CLARKSTON — Upsets occur in the first round of the postseason more than any other night. Clarkston made sure that it would not become such a victim Monday in the opening round of the Division 1 boys soccer districts.
The Wolves captured their third straight win Monday at home, scoring four times in the opening eight minutes and cruising to an 8-0 shutout of outmatched Flint Carman-Ainsworth.
The Wolves will play in the regional semifinals at 5 p.m. Wednesday at Grand Blanc against Davison, a 2-1 upset winner over Oxford.
ON THE MOVE: Clarkston freshman Jimmy Todd opened up state tournament play Monday with an 8-0 shutout of Flint Carman-Aisnworth. File Photo | Dan Stickradt
“We were down for a couple of weeks where we lost four in a row and now we’ve won three in a row,” offered Clarkston coach Chuck Longhorn. “I think we’re coming out of our funk a little bit. We finished 4-3 in the league and now we won our first tournament game. We closed the regular season out with wins over (Bloomfield Hills) Lahser and Holly.”
Connor Bright, who missed six games in the regular season, scored twice with an assist, giving him a team-leading 15 goals for the Wolves (12-11-0). Brett Schultz and Ben Snyder both added a goal and assists apiece for Clarkston, which led 6-0 at the half and then mercied the Cavaliers with two quick goals after halftime.
Spencer Powlick, Ryan Mangopora, Brad Schultz and Jimmy Todd also scored for Clarkston, while Nick Dahl and Grant Huber both chipped in with two assists apiece.
Travis Smith notched the shutout for Clarkston.
“At the draws a couple of weeks ago, when it was our turn and we drew there were only three names left. I was praying that we wouldn’t draw Grand Blanc for the first game,” said Lawhorn. “We lucked out there. I thought we’d have a good shot to get to the finals from our side of the bracket. Now we have to go out there and beat Davison. But we need to play well. I thought we came out on fire against Carman-Ainsworth and we never allowed them to even be in the game. We need to do the same Wednesday night if we want to get a chance at Grand Blanc.”
Grand Blanc, which advanced with a 4-0 shutout of Flushing, will play Lake Orion in the 7 p.m. semifinal Wednesday. Lake Orion received a first-round bye.
DIVISION 1
DAVISON 2, OXFORD 1: Davison scored bookend goals and the host Cardinals pulled a minor upset of Oxford in an opening-round game Monday. Chase Garavaglia scored off an assist from Mike Kitchner in the first half for Oxford (11-5-3). Matt Smither scored both goals for Davison, including the game winner wioth 20 minutes to play. The Cardinals will play Clarkston at 5 p.m. Wednesday at Grand Blanc in the district semifinals. Clarkston advanced with an 8-0 victory over Flint Carman-Ainsworth.
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Category: Clarkston, High School, High School (M-Z), Oxford, Prep Wraps
