PLATTSBURGH — It ended up being a frustrating day for the Clinton Community College men’s soccer team Wednesday.
The Cougars (2-2) had no answer for Samuel Naiwo, who scored three goals in Adirondack Community College’s 3-2 victory at the Plattsburgh State Soccer Complex, spoiling Clinton’s home opener.
Naiwo tallied two second-half goals to rally the Timberwolves, who trailed, 2-1, at the half.
“I think we’re all disappointed,” said Clinton coach Zac Eppler. “It was a game we could have and should have won.”
Naiwo, a quick and talented forward, tied the game at 2-all with 22:57 gone in the second half off a Thomas Debenham assist.
Then just less than seven minutes later, at 29:48, he broke the tie with an unassisted game-winning goal.
“A ball was sent in and we had some miscommunication on defense,” said Eppler. “The ball went to Naiwo, who ended up one-on-one with our goaltender.
“Naiwo has something like nine goals already on the season,” said Eppler. “He was a concern of ours going into the game.”
The unbeaten Timberwolves (4-0) had a slight edge in play in the first half, but Clinton emerged with a 2-1 advantage.
Ryan Lee one-timed Dylan Riley’s cross into the net with just 4:17 gone to give the Cougars the lead,
Naiwo attacked the end line to pull the Timberwolves even at the 9:21 mark, but the Cougars regained the lead when Matthew Follett tallied with just 3:51 remaining in the half. Jordan Knight sent a shot in front of the Adirondack net and the ball found its way to Follett, who was stationed on the far side.
Clinton finished with a 20-18 shot advantage. Robert Sprague made 18 saves for the Timberwolves and Travis Agoney ended up with 15 stops for the Cougars.
“We started to play their game,” said Eppler. “We needed to control and possess the ball against a team like this — looking for openings when they came out on us.”
The Cougars return to action next Tuesday at Paul Smith’s College.
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Adirondack C.C. 3, Clinton C.C. 2
Adirondack C.C. 1 2 — 3
Clinton C.C. 2 0 — 2
First half-
1, CCC, Lee (Riley), 4:17. 2, ACC, Naiwo (Nocito), 9:21. 3, CCC, Follett (Knight), 41:09.
Second half-
4, ACC, Naiwo (Debenham), 22:57. 5, ACC, Naiwo, 29:48.
Shots: Clinton C.C. 20, Adirondack C.C. 18.
Saves: Agoney, CCC, 15. Sprague, ACC, 18.
