Clayton Ridge nabbed victories over the MFL MarMac varsity boys and girls soccer teams during games in Monona on April 20.
Fernando Flores scored a pair of first half goals for the Eagles during the boys game. On an assist from Ashton Phillips, the Bulldogs responded with a Carter Lightfoot goal in the second half—one of his three total shots on goal. However, they couldn’t connect on any more attempts against Clayton Ridge keeper Nash Reimer, who recorded 12 saves. MFL MarMac goalie Carsten Pester netted six saves.
The Lady Bulldogs lost 4-0 to the Eagles, surrendering two goals in the first half and two more in the second. Mallory Dean picked up two goals for Clayton Ridge, while Sophia Chmeler and Audrey Dickson each had one. MFL MarMac keeper Alexa McElwaine saved seven goals.
The Bulldogs took five shots on goal, including three from Evelyn Fritz and one apiece by Kambry Keehner and Addison Corlett, but couldn’t get the ball past Clayton Ridge’s Izabella Harbaugh-Scott.
The losses dropped the MFL MarMac boys to 1-4 overall and the girls to 1-2-2.
Jessica Peterson, head coach of the Bulldog girls, said there’s been some successes and some losses, but steady improvement from week to week.
“From the first week of practice to our first game, we had already improved. Now, a few weeks in, we continue to find little successes, even if we don’t win every game,” she shared.
Growth is important, she stressed, as the girls see how possessing the ball can create scoring opportunities.
“And those opportunities will create success, whether it’s right off the bat or down the road,” Peterson added.
The coach noted injuries have been a challenge, but also the number of players, as she strives to find everyone experience and game time while maintaining interest. Everyone is encouraged to stay ready.
“You don’t know who’s going to take off and where we’re going to need filling in with injuries and field trips,” Peterson said.
This week, the Bulldogs traveled to Postville on April 28. They will host West Delaware on May 1, making up games from earlier this season, before the girls compete in a triangular at Richland Center, Wis., on May 2.
MFL MarMac senior Brent Roe contributed reporting to this article.
