Clarke offense too much for Albia

The Clarke boys soccer team bested Albia Tuesday night, winning 3-1 in its first home match of the season.

The Indians offense pressed in the first half, keeping the Albia defenders on their heels for nearly half of the first half.

After playing Albia to open the season, Clarke head coach Jorge Avalos expected the Blue Demons to be aggressive from the start.

“I was expected them to be better than the first time, which they were, but we have been working on our game as well,” said Avalos.

The Indians got on the board midway through the first half on a score from Armani Fry that deflected off the post after an Albia goalkeeper save. Fry snuck the ball in as he fell over grappling a defender to give Clarke the lead.

Despite the advantage the Indians kept it on the Blue Demons, missing multiple chances including a breakaway opportunity from Jordy Mendez that nicked the crossbar and sailed over the net before the game was sent to halftime.

The Indians exited halftime in search of getting a much needed insurance goal, getting said score from Josue Torres from the far side of the six-yard box early on in the second half.

Not long after an Albia score, Torres added another score into the goal column to make it 3-1, getting the assist from Fry.

“He did really good,” said Avalos. “We wanted to try him on the left (Tuesday) since he’s a lefty and it might work best for him and I think it did. I think he felt more comfortable on that side.”

Due to electrical issues the game clock was run by on field officials, causing the pace of play in relation to time remaining in the game to be slightly different for both sides.

“I don’t know,” said Avalos on whether or not the clock display being absent worked to the teams advantage. “I think it was for both (good and bad). We kind of kept track on our phones but I don’t think it made that much of a difference.”

The lack of clock and playing from behind for nearly the entire game had Albia defenders frustrated as they struggled to find their marks on the field, allowing the Clarke forwards to slip behind and kick six shots on net.

On the other end, the Indians defense held the Blue Demons to just two shots on net. Zane Hart made one save.

UP NEXT – Clarke (2-1) will head to Centerville (0-6) Thursday for its third road match of the season.

Clarke 3, Albia 1

Clarke (3) — Armani Fry (assisted by Brian Avalos), Josue Torres (assisted by Chris Puente), Josue Torres (2) (assisted by Armani Fry). Individual shots (on goal)— Brian Avalos 3 (2), Jordy Mendez 3 (2), Armani Fry 4 (1), Femi Fry 2 (1). Keeper saves — Zane Hart 1. Cards — None.

Albia (1) — Trevor Cloyed (assisted by Adam Waber). Shots (on goal) — 2 (2). Saves — 3. Cards – None.