CLARION – In a game where the halftime score said it all,
Clearfield clinched the District 9 Class AA soccer championship
with a 4-1 win over Bradford on Tuesday night at Clarion
University.

Bradford drew first blood with 32:18 showing on the clock as
Micah Irwin sent the ball rocketing into the Clearfield net. Steve
Butler was credited with the assist.

“We got up 1-0 and it looked like we were in control,” said
Ernie Chamberlain, assistant Bradford High soccer coach. “Then
Clearfield got some opportunities and took advantage of them and
the tide turned quickly.”

Clearfield responded with four attempts to even the score. Two
of the shots were thwarted impressively by Owls’ keeper Micah
Ridley. The third attempt from midfield sailed harmlessly over the
goal.

However, the Bisons’ fourth attempt was successful as Mark Auman
fired a shot past Ridley. Auman was assisted by James
Zimmerman.

The half continued with nearly several minutes of scoreless play
as both teams struggled.

Then with the clock showing 13:30, Auman scored his second goal
to give the Bisons a 2-1 lead.

The Owls (10-5) fought to answer, but failed to take advantage
of some opportunities they were given.

Clearfield, meanwhile, added two more goals to make it 4-1.

With 7:12 on the scoreboard clock, the Bisons’ Mike Johnson
booted one into the net, just out of Ridley’s reach. Johnson’s
score was followed less than 30 ticks later by Coulton Casteel’s
arcing shot, making it 4-1, a score that would remain through the
second half as both teams stiffened defensively.

Ridley was credited with 12 saves on the night.

In goal for Clearfield was Ben Johnson (3 saves).

“We had a lack of cohesiveness tonight; we couldn’t connect on
our passes,” Chamberlain noted. “I will give credit to our defense.
They played with heart the entire game. I give credit to the whole
team for working hard and getting here. We had a great season.”

Clearfield advances to the first round of the PIAA tournament
next Tuesday.