VANCOUVER, Wash. - In a high-scoring affair at Clark College, the Clippers of South Puget Sound fell short against a relentless Clark squad, losing 5-3 in a match that showcased both offensive prowess and resilient play.
From the outset, Clark established their dominance with a flurry of goals in the first half. JP Warnell opened the scoring early at the 6th minute mark, capitalizing on an offensive surge by the penguins. Randy Valdivia extended the lead at the 22nd minute, showcasing Clark's early offensive efficiency. Logan Puppo added two more goals before halftime, with assists from Matthew Wagner and Milos Mavrak, leaving South Puget Sound reeling at 4-0 going into the break.
The second half saw a spirited fightback from South Puget Sound, determined to narrow the gap. Colton Middleton kickstarted the comeback with a well-taken goal in the 75th minute, injecting hope into his team's efforts. Alex Canning further fueled their resurgence with two late goals, converting penalty kicks at the 79th and 86th minutes, respectively.
Despite their strong second-half performance, South Puget Sound couldn't fully recover from the early deficit. Clark's Ethan Hundt added another goal in the 72nd minute, capping off a comprehensive offensive display for the Penguins.
Goalkeeper Luciano Alvarado played a crucial role for Clark in the second half, making critical saves to preserve their lead against a resurgent South Puget Sound attack.
The match ended with Clark securing their undefeated record, maintaining their position as a formidable force in the league. South Puget Sound, despite the loss, showed resilience and determination in their second-half performance, promising to build on their fighting spirit in future matches.
Both teams displayed commendable sportsmanship throughout the game, despite the competitive intensity on the field.
Scoring Summary:
The next fixture for Clark (6-0-1, 6-0-1) will be on the road as they travel to Pierce (2-7-1, 2-5) on Saturday, October 5th with kickoff scheduled for 2:15pm.
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