Searl's Second Half Goal Lifts Cougars Over Cornerstone

Searl's Second Half Goal Lifts Cougars Over Cornerstone
September 28, 2024

(Howell, MI)-- The Cleary Cougar men's soccer team welcomed the Cornerstone Golden Eagles to Lake Trust Stadiun Saturday evening in a battle of 2-1 WHAC teams.

The first half was a very cagey affair, as the two teams each had five shots, with only one total shot getting on target in the first half, and the two teams would find themselves tied 0-0 at the break.

The second half was much of the same, but it would be the Cougars who would get the game's big break in the 74th minute.  After Cleary earned a corner kick, Liam Kvarnstrom would send a perfect ball to the back post, where Noah Searl would be waiting to head the ball into the net, scoring the game's only goal and game-winner.  As the rain would start to come down in the final fifteen minutes, Cleary's defensive line of Toby Mattock, Liam Coyle, and Simbarashe Mazarura helped keep Austin Freemire from having to be called upon too often, and the Cougars earned their second straight WHAC victory.

Austin Freemire made 4 saves, including one massive save in a 1 on 1 in the second half, to earn his second shutout of the season.  Noah Searl's goal was his second of the season, and his first game-winning goal.

Cleary is now 6-4 on the season, and 3-1 in the WHAC.  The Cougars will play their second game of three in a row at Lake Trust Stadium next Wednesday, October 2, when they welcome the Aquinas College Saints for a WHAC matchup.  The action will get underway at 7:00 PM.