VANCOUVER, Wash. — The Clark College men's soccer team opened its 2026 season in winning fashion Saturday, rallying for a 3-1 victory over Pierce College at Kim Christensen Field, on the campus of Clark College.
The season opener also marked the first game at the helm for first-year head coach Aaron Tasker, who guided the Penguins to a strong start in his Clark tenure.
Pierce struck first in the 13th minute when Edgar Soltero found the back of the net, but Clark quickly answered. Hazim Huskic scored in the 13th minute to level the match at 1-1, giving the Penguins their first goal of the season.
Clark continued to apply pressure throughout the opening half, outshooting Pierce 11-3. The Penguins took the lead in the 37th minute when Akeem Archer converted a penalty kick to make it 2-1 heading into halftime.
Clark wasted little time adding to its advantage after the break. Just 1:27 into the second half, Christopher Solano buried a penalty kick to push the Penguins' lead to 3-1.
The Penguins controlled much of the second half as well, finishing the match with a 19-7 advantage in shots and a 10-3 edge in shots on goal. Clark also earned five corner kicks compared with three for Pierce.
Red-Shirt Sophomore Goalkeeper, Glenn Kolibas, anchored the defensive effort, making two saves while limiting Pierce to just one second-half shot on target.
Huskic and Archer each finished with a goal, while Solano also found the scoresheet. Mason Renner led Clark with four shots, while Huskic added five shots and Archer recorded two shots on goal.
Clark's defense held firm over the final 43 minutes, allowing just one shot on goal after halftime to secure the season-opening victory.
With the win, Clark begins the season 1-0 overall and 1-0 in conference play, while Pierce falls to 1-3-0 overall and 0-1-0 in conference action.
The victory gives Tasker a win in his first game leading the Penguins and provides Clark with an early boost as the team begins its 2026 campaign.
Next up, the Penguins travel to Highline (2-1, 1-0) on Wednesday, September 2nd.
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