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Men's Soccer Wraps Up Non-Conference Play With Shutout of Adrian

Men's Soccer Wraps Up Non-Conference Play With Shutout of Adrian
Photos Video Box Score
September 19, 2023

(Howell, MI)-- The Cleary Cougar men's soccer team controlled the game from the opening whistle, and finished their non-conference schedule with a 3-0 shutout victory over the visiting Adrian College Bulldogs Tuesday evening at Lake Trust Stadium.

After some back and forth action to start the game, the Cougars drew a foul in a dangerous area just to the right of the penalty area.  After a Lesman Morazan cross was blocked, it fell right back to his foot.  His second cross attempt was succesful, finding the foot of Santino Savastano-Farr, who slotted the ball into the net for the game's opening goal.  Cleary would double their lead towards the end of the first half, when Adam Baldwin chested down a goal kick to teammate Jack Heald.  Heald sent a perfect through ball to Lesman Morazan, who raced past the defense, and finished his one vs. the goalie chance for his 7th goal of the season.  Cleary went into the halftime break leading 2-0.

In the second half, Cleary had a golden opportunity to extend their lead, after Adam Baldwin drew a foul in the penalty area.  Morazan stepped up to take the penalty kick, but his attempt was saved, and the game remained 2-0.  Cleary did finally get that elusive third goal late in the game, when a cross by Santino Savastano-Farr found the foot of Dillon Croft, who placed it just well enough to get into the net, scoring his first goal of the season.

Cleary dominated every statistical category, outshooting the Bulldogs 26-8 (12-3 shots on goal), as well as holding a 5-0 advantage on corner kicks.  

Austin Freemire picked up his first win and shutout of the season, making saves on all three shots faced.  

Cleary is now 3-3-1.  The Cougars will open up WHAC play this Saturday, September 23, with a trip to the Michigan Stars Sports Center to take on the Rochester University Warriors.  Kickoff is set for 2:00 PM.