In a commanding performance, the Clarkston Wolves secured a decisive 4-0 victory against the Troy Athens Red Hawks on their home field, propelling them to the top of the Oakland Activities Association Red Division. The Wolves turned the game around in the second half, scoring all four goals after a scoreless first half.
Second Half Dominance
With the match tied at 0-0 at halftime, Clarkston made crucial adjustments to their strategy. The Wolves heightened their pressing game, which significantly transformed the dynamics of the match. Just five minutes into the second half, Owen Holloway set up Fagan Roy for the opening goal, driving a powerful shot into the right corner of the net.
Eight minutes later, the Wolves doubled their lead when Micah Amega delivered an exceptional pass to Oliver Poploskie. Poploskie raced down the left side and skillfully slotted the ball past the Red Hawks’ goalkeeper. The tempo of the game shifted dramatically, with Clarkston maintaining high pressure throughout the half.
Coach Ian Jones praised his team’s performance, stating, “We played really well in the second half. The first half we were feeling each other out a little bit. The second half we changed how we built out a little bit and where we were going to press.” He added that scoring four goals against a strong opponent like Athens was impressive.
Final Goals Secure the Win
The Wolves continued to apply pressure, adding two more goals to their tally. Roy scored his second goal of the match, followed by a final strike from Cole Cooper, sealing the victory. The Red Hawks struggled to regain control in the second half, unable to break through Clarkston’s solid defense, anchored by Amega and Brendan Sesti.
In the first half, Athens managed to create some opportunities, finishing with one more shot on goal than Clarkston, although the Wolves outshot them overall. Jackson Artiss, the Clarkston goalkeeper, played a crucial role in keeping the game tied at halftime with several key saves.
With this victory, Clarkston improved their record to 14-1 overall and 5-1 in the OAA Red Division, taking first place. They can clinch the league title in their upcoming match against the Troy Colts, who currently sit in third place.
The Red Hawks, now with a record of 7-3-3 and 4-1-1 in the league, will host Oxford in their final league game. They remain in contention for the title and can either win it outright or share it, depending on the outcomes of both their match and the Clarkston-Troy Colts game.
Jones expressed confidence in his team’s capabilities, stating, “If we play like we did in the second half, then anything can happen. Hopefully, we play like that and we go on and win the league.”
