March 29, 2024

Historic firsts

Clarke boys grab win in first ever game

Image 1 of 5

CHARITON — Tuesday, April 12 marked a night of firsts for the newly-created Clarke soccer program. It was a first loss for the girls team to Chariton, a 10-0 result that saw an athletic Lady Indians bunch demonstrate glimpses of potential in the midst of a frustrating opener.

Then there was the boys team. The Clarke boys played with the type of attention to detail and field knowledge known only to teams who have played with one another on the pitch.

Martin Corona blasted home the first two goals in program history in the 2-1 win, one in the 12th minute off a wide-open rebound opportunity.

The next, a bit more dramatic. After trading punches with the Chargers, including a Royce Stuart goal from way out in the 22nd minute, Clarke found gold one last time.

With about six minutes remaining, the ball kicked around Chariton's goalie box, only to land on the sure-footed Corona, who rocketed the ball into the back of the net for the decisive goal.

"Very nerve-wracking at the end," coach Jorge Avalos said. "I knew that we had a lot of talent and these kids showed it. It's all on them."

"I put him in the middle where he can have a chance to control the ball and make passes, but yet he can take and score just like he did," Avalos added.

Ernesto Cortez and Chris Puente were both credited with assists in the contest.

Carlos Yanez Jr. picked up the win in the goal with nine saves."

Credit this in part to Fallon Reicks, who has coached youth soccer in Osceola for years and led a halftime speech Tuesday that fired the boys up.

Reicks helped spearhead the effort to make soccer a varsity sport at the high school level.

"She's the one who started everything," Avalos said. "It's all thanks to her that we're all here. I think everyone is very thankful with her .. it took her two or three years to get the soccer program started."

She, and those who travelled down US-34 on Tuesday, saw an evening of futbol firsts that they're not soon to forget. And they're just getting started.