Lightning Halts Men's Soccer Rally Attempt Vs. Alma

(Howell, MI)-- The Cleary Cougar men's soccer team dominated almost every statistical category, but the visiting Alma Scots would get the last laugh, as the Cougars dropped a non-conference matchup 2-0 Wednesday evening at Lake Trust Stadium.

 Cleary started off the game strong, and forced the Alma goalie into defensive mode from the opening whistle.  Marcel Zanchin forced a pair of diving saves early on, keeping the game scoreless at 0-0.  With just over five minutes to go in the first half, Alma got forward up the left side and put a cross into the face of goal.  Cleary's attempted clearance would unfortunately go into the net, and gave the visitors a 1-0 lead.  

In the second half, Alma added an insurance goal, sliding the ball past Diego Amezola-Orozco after the ball pinged around in the box, and gave the Scots a 2-0 lead.  Shortly after the restart, lightning struck, and the game would be delayed.  The two teams would return to the field to try and finish the game, but the weather would not cooperate, and the game would be delayed for the final time just three minutes after the restart.

Cleary outshot the Scots 21-8, with 4 shots on target for the Cougars to Alma's 1.  Cleary also held an 11-2 advantage on corner kicks.  

Diego Amezola-Orozco suffered his second loss of the season in 79:03, making 1 save in the game.  Marcel Zanchin led the Cleary offense with 2 shots on goal, while Joey Branicki and Felix Arndt each added one.

Cleary drops to 2-3 on the season.  The Cougars will be back in action on Friday, September 15, when they host the Olivet Comets.  Kick-off is set for 7:00 PM.