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Clearfield shuts out Central, 2-0
Thursday, September 27, 2012
By Rich Murawski Assistant Sports Editor
HYDE - Shoot the ball and good things will likely happen.
The Clearfield boys soccer team pelted the Central goal with 26 shots Wednesday night at a soggy Bison Sports Complex, scoring twice, and keeper Keith Biancuzzo stood tall in goal as the Bison earned a 2-0 shutout over the Scarlet Dragons.
Clearfield opened the game, which featured a light rain throughout, with midfielder Jack Soult and striker Spencer Herrington combining to pressure the Dragon net. Each had two shots in the first 10 minutes of play, setting the tone for the barrage that was to come from the Bison.
"That was the plan," Clearfield interim head coach Todd Trinidad said. "We were still continuing the game plan from (Tuesday) night to get some pressure, get some shots and control the ball. We had lots of opportunities tonight. The plan is working. We're improving."
Aaron and Andrew Angstadt, along with Craig Reddinger got in on the act as Clearfield kept firing shots toward the Central goal.
And at the 24-minute mark, the Bison's determination was rewarded as midfielder Andrew Angstadt unleashed a shot from about 30 yards out that the Central keeper had initially, but the wet ball trickled through his fingers and into the back of the net to give Clearfield a 1-0 lead. Reddinger set up Angstadt on the play.
"We told the guys to just take shots," Trinidad said. "It's wet. Follow up on the keeper and get pressure. The guys were just continually shooting. The ones that go through, you love."
Less than six minutes later, Clearfield put another one on the board.
This time it was the other half of the Angstadt connection that did the damage as Aaron finished a perfectly set up play with a laser that found the Central goal at 29:52.
Alec Freeman started the scoring play with a pass right down the center of the field to Reddinger, who one touched the ball from the top of the box to the left wing where Angstadt got a big left boot on to up the Bison advantage.
"We've been working on our passing, and that was perfect passing," Trinidad said. "And Aaron has a great left foot, and he just drilled one home. He's been consistent all season getting the cross and I told him if it's open to take the shot. The keeper happened to let it open, and Aaron just fired one in there. It was a beautiful goal."
Clearfield kept the pressure up in the second half, nearly scoring another goal on several occasions.
Christian Stone just missed to the near post on one Bison run, while Reddinger hit the post with a shot from the 6. Jared Williams also sent a shot just wide of the near post on a late run down the right wing and Wyatt Stucke's header off a Soult corner kick was a little too tall.
A total of 10 different Bison registered at least one shot. Herrington led the way with five, while Aaron Angstadt and Renninger notched four apiece.
"We had a lot guys up there and the key was just to get to the net," Trinidad said. "A lot of our guys were just charging the net. And the key to that was our midfield. Jack (Soult) and Alec (Freeman) and Bubba (Andrew Angstadt) stepping up. That's how we got those opportunities. Those guys were working their butts off."
Clearfield wasn't the only team with good scoring chances, however, as the Dragon took 11 shots at the Bison goal.
Two were a little wide of the net, while Biancuzzo stopped the other nine.
On one sequence, Biancuzzo knocked a ball drilled from the left wing down, recovered and was able to jump up and tip the rebound shot over the net.
That was one of several big saves the Bison keeper had on very close Central shots.
"His second attempt has been a lot better this year," Triniad said. "He's there. He's in great position the whole time. We couldn't have won that game without him. He was in front of every ball that came through and got himself a shutout."
Biancuzzo also got a lot of help from a staunch defense led by Nolan Barger, Nathan Ting and Ethan Tkacik. Barger was particularly impressive knocking Central players off the ball that had invaded the Bison box.
"We put him right in the middle because of that," Trinidad said. "He is so difficult to get by. You're not going to muscle him off the ball. And he's determined to get that ball and clear it.
"And that's what we need at that center back position. Someone who is strong like that. A captain that step up and take the lead ... its' nice to have that. It's a shame we lose him (to graduation)."
The Bison win was their second of the season, snapping a six-game losing skid. Clearfield opened the season with a 4-2 win at Central.
"They have been coming out and doing everything I ask of them," Trinidad said of the Bison. "Finally, we got a couple goals. And we're just going to keep pushing forward."
Clearfield (2-6) hosts DuBois Saturday at 11 a.m.
Clearfield 2, Central 0
First Half
1. Andrew Angstadt, (Craig Reddinger), 24:00.
2. Aaron Angstadt, (Reddinger, Alec Freeman), 29:52.
Shots: Central 11, Clearfield 26.
Saves: Central ( Tristen Greenaland) 18, Clearfield (Keith Biancuzzo) 9.
Corner kicks: Central 2, Clearfield 9.
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