Men's Soccer Bounces Back with 4-1 Victory at Rochester Christian

(Washington Twp, MI)-- After suffering a difficult road loss last Saturday, the Cleary Cougar men's soccer team bounced back in the best way possible, earning a road victory against the Rochester Christian Warriors Wednesday afternoon.

The Warriors would strike first, as the Cougars' high defensive line allowed a through ball down the left side, and the centering cross found an open man alone on the back post, whose shot beat Austin Freemire to give RCU a 1-0 lead.  That lead did not last long, as Cleary would equalize in the 24th minute on a free kick.  Goalie Austin Freemire went forward to take the kick, and his ball was placed perfectly on the head of captain Liam Coyle, who headed it into the net for his first goal of the season.  The score would remain tied for the remainder of the first half.

The second half was all Cleary, as the Cougars tacked on three goals to take the lead and the win.  On a goal kick in the 54th minute, Marcel Zanchin won the ball, and headed it forward to the foot of Lesman Morazan, whose one-touch pass found a wide open and onside Adam Baldwin.  Baldwin's shot was on target, beating the keeper, and scoring his third goal of the season.  A little over fifteen minutes later, Adam Baldwin and Lesman Morazan would combine again, this time with Morazan scoring.  Adam Baldwin stole the ball off a Warrior, and his pass up the middle found Morazan who cut in, and then out before firing a shot into the upper portion of the net, giving the Cougars a 3-1 lead late in the game.  It was Morazan's team-leading 7th goal of the year.  Cleary's final goal came off a throw in, where Santino Savastano-Farr flicked on the pass to Marcel Zanchin who drove forward, took his shot, and beat the Warrior goalie for his first goal of the season.  

Austin Freemire would earn his third win of the season, making 4 saves on 5 shots faced.  Lesman Morazan now has 7 goals and 2 assists on the season, while Adam Baldwin has 3 goals and 4 assists.

Cleary is now 5-4 overall, and 2-1 in the WHAC.  The Cougars will make their Lake Trust Stadium return this Saturday, September 28, when they host the Cornerstone Golden Eagles.  Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.