Clear Creek soccer has proven to be a formidable opponent in every match this season.
The CCMS Bobcats and Lady Cats have dealt with muddy playing conditions because of seasonal rain, and both have 4-1 records on the year.
The Bobcats started their campaign by thrashing Fannin County, 5-0. After shaking off nervousness in the first half, CCMS put the match away in the second. The Cats then hammered Pickens, 6-0.
“It was almost like my players were trying to be too precise with putting the ball into the back of the net, which led to them just missing the goal a little bit over or a little to the side,” head coach Aaron Evans said of the Fannin match. “The second half though, the nerves were gone and we came out strong. Once that first goal went in, the rest of the goals quickly followed.
“Against Pickens, it was a great performance all around from defense, midfield and forwards. It was another game that we had a majority of possession with the ball and were creating chances constantly.”
The Bobcats battled for a physical 1-0 win over White County. CCMS played with 10 players in the second half when a Bobcat received a red card. Clear Creek then lost to Lumpkin County, 1-0.
“They covered for each other and fought for each other the remainder of the game and kept that clean sheet to give us the win against White,” Evans said.
“Versus Lumpkin, it was a good battle between the two teams, but they came away with a win by scoring a great goal, and we just could not create enough chances to give us an opportunity to score.”
The loss to Lumpkin was the Bobcats’ first in 22 matches. Evans opted to make some adjustment to the Bobcats’ formation and tactics in an effort to create more scoring opportunities.
The alterations worked, and the Bobcats handed Union County a 3-2 loss.
“I was proud of my players in how quickly they adapted to the new set up we have in place. We were creating loads of chances, moving the ball quicker, and just playing some beautiful soccer throughout the game,” said Evans.
The Lady Cats started their season against Hwy. 515 foes Fannin and Pickens as well. CCMS edged the Lady Rebels 1-0 before falling to the Dragonettes by the same margin.
Clear Creek got its offense rolling against White County and trounced the Warriors, 4-0. The Cats then went on to defeat Lumpkin County (2-1) before beating Union County handily, 4-0.
“The girls played one of their best games versus Union and we went home with a win,” said head coach Allison Speece. “Our season has been incredible so far. We continue to grow as a team with each game. The girls are working hard together and are extremely supportive of one another on and off the field.”
Speece added, “Our defense has been solid. We have only let three goals in. Abelinda, our goalie, has made some incredible saves this year. The midfielders, Joei Marshall and Estephany Becerra, are doing their job with winning balls in the middle of the field to help us control the game.
“The team overall has poured their blood, sweat and tears into this season and it shows. I am so proud of this team and what we have done so far.”