BY WENDI REARDON PRICE
Clarkston News Sports Writer
Clarkston’s varsity kickers knocked Rochester Adams out of the playoffs with a stunning 2-1 win at the Highlanders’ home on Monday night during the first round of MHSAA Boys Soccer District playoffs.
Seniors Kyle Hayes and Josh McCaghy scored for Clarkston (9-7-3)during the first half while sophomore Noah Bridgeman saved 11 shots in the net from the Highlanders.
Before going into playoffs the boys finished the regular season with a 3-0 win over Bloomfield Hills last Thursday.
“We needed to get a win,” said Curtis Payment, head coach for Clarkston Boys Varsity Soccer. “Even though it was the last game of the season it was important for us to get a win.”
The score was tied at zero going into half time and the Wolves broke through during the second half with two goals from senior Robbie Farrell and another from junior Michael Snider, who scored off a header from a corner kick.
“They played well,” said Payment. “It was a good team win with solid defense and it was organized. It just took us a while to break it down.”
The Wolves also played Stoney Creek one last time with their last home game on Oct. 11, 3-2.
The Cougars jumped to a 3-0 lead during the first half as Clarkston had their shots on goals denied by the goaltender.
The boys broke through after recognizing and celebrating their nine seniors and their families during halftime.
Farrell scored the first goal, with an assist from senior Kyle Hayes. Hayes struck with his own goal later with help from senior Josh McCaughy.
“We had a fairly good half against Stoney Creek,” Payment added. “We really played dominating soccer and continued it against Bloomfield Hills. I am hoping all of this is trending for against Adams and a long run (in playoffs).”
The boys finished fifth place in the OAA Red with a 2-3-2 record.
He added organization and defense would be the keys during defense while the boys’ strengths lie within being healthy and their attacking side.
“We can score goals,” he said, adding Adams is one of the best teams in the state. “We know their formation and the way they like to play. They are extremely defensive minded. We won both of our games against them last year, but they have beat us both times with have faced them in the playoffs. We expect a really close game. We are facing one of the best teams in the first game of districts.”
The Wolves continue their run in the playoffs as they take on Stoney Creek again today (Wednesday), 7 p.m.
The finals are on Saturday, 1 p.m. Both games are at Rochester Adams. Regionals begin with semifinals next Tuesday at Stoney Creek, 5 p.m.

Check out this week’s print edition for some photos from senior night!

  Boys Varsity Soccer, clarkston, Soccer