Autumn Clark’s hat trick propels Middletown to home victory over Fort Bragg
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MIDDLETOWN >> Autumn Clark’s hat trick fueled Middletown’s 6-3 win over the Fort Bragg Timberwolves in North Central League I varsity girls soccer play Tuesday evening in Middletown.
Middletown (6-2 league, 7-6-1 overall) climbed over the .500 mark on the season with the come-from-behind win. The Mustangs trailed 2-1 in the first half before rallying in front with goals from Ally Cherry, assisted by Thira Hoage and Clark, and then Clark, her second of the game.
“We were getting some nice crosses and shots but not finishing,” Middletown head coach Lee Hoage said. “Our third goal came with a nice assist from freshman Trinity Wood, who sent Clark a nice ball down the left side, and Clark finished it from far outside with a lovely left-foot shot into the right corner. It was a fantastic goal. The placement from that angle from that far way was difficult, but she had a nice strike on it, which went over the keeper into the right corner.”
Clark, who also scored Middletown’s first goal, completed her hat trick early in the second half with an assist from sophomore Cherry, who played a nice through ball to Clark breaking down the right side.
“Clark dribbled it down with her speed and buried it into the left corner,” Hoage said as the Mustangs went up 4-2.
Bella Alcantar, a senior, and freshman Wood set up Middletown’s next goal, a shot by senior Diana Montes that found the back of the net.
Fort Bragg picked up a final goal to close to 5-3. Middletown increased its lead to 6-3 when Cherry intercepted a ball in the center of the field and sent her shot into the top part of the net, out of reach of the Fort Bragg keeper.
“Our second half was our better played half,” Hoage said. “With the (halftime) score 3-2, we wanted to come out and assert pressure and protect our lead. We were able to get some nice control in the midfield and use our wings to stretch the field and create opportunities.”
Added Hoage of Middletown’s performance, “Senior Autumn Clark stepped up big time and had an impressive hat trick, something rare to see on the pitch. Her competitive and intense play is such an important component to our team.”
Hoage also gave high marks to his defense.
“I am quite proud of all our defensive players who continue to mark intelligently, play hard and stay unified in the back.”
Hoage also praised the play of Fort Bragg’s Mila Weinstein.
“A fantastic player who creates, distributes and whose dribble and touch on the ball is impressive to watch,” Hoage said. “We had to really mark her well and to interrupt their attack sequences.
“I am proud of all my players from my starters to my substitutes,” Hoage added. “I asked for an A game from all of them and they brought it again.”
Middletown travels to Lower Lake on Thursday for a 4:30 p.m. game with the Trojans.
