Women's Soccer Wins Second Straight in Rout of Manchester

(Howell, MI)-- The Cleary Cougar women's soccer team won their second straight game in convincing fashion, as they defeated the visiting Manchester University Spartans 5-0 at Lake Trust Stadium Saturday afternoon.

Cristina de Miguel got things going in the first minute, when she received a centering pass from Payton Zeh, and then put the ball into the upper left corner of the net to give the Cougars a 1-0 lead.  Zeh would score herself just four minutes later, after intercepting a pass and shooting past the Spartan goalie to make it 2-0 early in favor of Cleary.  In the 17th minute, Cleary added their third goal, as Jaqueline Valota headed the ball into the net on a corner kick from Payton Zeh.  Cleary would score one more goal in the first half, then Taylor Franco was sent free by Ambre Canado and Cristina de Miguel and beat the goalie in a one on one situation to give the Cougars a commanding 4-0 lead going into the break.

In the second half, Cleary's defense remained strong, and the defense would create offense later in the game.  After a Spartan free kick, Alyssa Krenek passed to April Gillespie who returned the pass to Krenek, who sent Summer Morrill free into the Cleary attacking third.  Morrill fended off a Spartan defender and slotted the ball into the net for the fifth and final goal of the game.

Tara McGrath earned her second win of the season, making 1 save on 1 shot on goal.  Cleary outshot Manchester 20-7 in the contest.  Each team committed 15 fouls in the game.

Cleary is now 2-5 on the season.  The Cougars will be back in action next Saturday, September 23, when they open up WHAC play with a trip to Rochester to take on the Warriors.  Kickoff is set for 8:00 PM.