Kickers made it to the final round at the Oxford Invitational on Saturday after two wins earlier in the day.
The Clarkston Boys Varsity Soccer team beat Oxford, 2-0, and Goodrich, 3-0.
They went into the final game and lost to Midland Dow, 4-0.
“We got a little fatigued towards the end,” said Chuck Lawhorn, head coach.
“Our overall effort was lacking. We need to pick up our intensity a little bit. It was the third game of the day but the other team played three games as well. We need to pick it up and work even harder.”
Junior Jordan Kieft scored two goals during the day day, one during the Goodrich game. Sophomores Brad Schultz and Max Mansour also scored in the game.
“Both teams were good,” said Lawhorn about Oxford and Goodrich. They were out there working hard and our boys just picked up the pace a little bit. We outplayed them down the stretch.”
The boys hope to take lessons from their two wins and two losses from the week into the weeks to come.
Clarkston lost to Troy at home on Sept. 6, 2-0.
“The main lesson is you have to continue working right up until the final whistle plays. You can’t let up for one minute, especially against teams like Troy because they will hurt you. Troy is a really good team and we were back on our heels.”
The boys head to Stoney Creek on Thursday for a OAA Red match-up.
“It will be an emotional game for everybody,” said Lawhorn, adding a lot of the Wolves on this year’s team had the Cougars’ current coach, Adam Bican, when he was coached for Clarkston. “They will definitely be up for the game. Adam always has his team ready to play and Stoney Creek is a tough place to play.”
Lawhorn added he knows their varsity team was struggling a bit and some freshman were brought up. He also doesn’t know what to expect – either a team of younger players or experienced.
“No matter who they have they will work hard and play hard,” said Lawhorn.
The game begins at 7 p.m.