Cardinals pick up first league in North Central League I soccer action
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UPPER LAKE >> In a battle of teams looking for their first North Central League I victory, the Clear Lake Cardinals shut out the Upper Lake Cougars 2-0 in boys soccer action Thursday in Upper Lake.
Clear Lake improved to 1-4 in the league standings while Upper Lake slipped to 0-5.
“We were at midfield most of the game, both teams are fairly evenly matched,” Upper Lake head coach Thomas Santana said.
Clear Lake took a 1-0 lead near the end of the first on a shot by Bairo Carmona.
“It was an amazing shot,” Santana said. “He shot a rocket from a hard angle.”
Carmona moved from striker to keeper in the second half as the Cardinals packed in their defense.
“Clear Lake did everything in their power to protect their lead,” Santana said. “This caused me to move some pieces and leave us vulnerable to the counterattack, which they took advantage of for their second goal.”
Upper Lake had its opportunities to score, according to Santana.
“Jaden Nunez was creating some great attacks for us, we just couldn’t put it in the back of the net,” Santana said. “Mario (Olvera) had two saves as centerback and also created some attacks for us later in the game when I had moved him to midfield in an attempt to get a goal.”
Added Santana, “All in all I’m proud of how my team played and am looking forward to our next game against them. We continue to improve. It might not show fully on the scoreboard, but the pieces are coming together nicely in rebuilding our program.”
Both teams return to action Tuesday. Upper Lake travels to Lower Lake while Clear Lake visits Fort Bragg.
