It was a little weird for coaches and players Saturday at Dirks Field.
Damian Clarke would yell instructions out to his Midwestern State University players, and some of his former Fort Lewis College women’s soccer players, who he recruited, would look over out of old habit.
Clarke, who resigned as the women’s soccer head coach at FLC in July to accept the Midwestern State head coaching position, had the difficult task of coaching against his alma mater and former team in the final match of the Fort Lewis Women’s Soccer Classic.
The game itself was tough, as the two teams played to a scoreless draw after 90 minutes of regulation and two 10-minute overtime periods.
“Obviously, both teams to an extent counter-balance one another, because we have an idea of what we’re trying to do,” Clarke said. “Fort Lewis is just athletic when it comes down to it – very athletic and sharp.”
Clarke commended new FLC interim head coach Jimmy Hall, Clarke’s former assistant, on continuing to build the young Skyhawks roster.
“Jimmy has done a good job to make that team a good team, and I look forward to seeing their progress as well as ours.”
FLC (1-0-1), ranked No. 24 in the country, fought a tough battle all match with a big and physical Midwestern State (0-0-2) side. Though the match finished scoreless, both teams had multiple opportunities to finish, none better than when a Midwestern State shot from Nicole Coetzer in the 43rd minute hit the bottom of the crossbar and was sent straight down onto the goal line before backspin kept it from crossing in for a goal.
FLC freshman midfielder Alicia Sanchez hit the crossbar in the 79th minute.
“It was very difficult. I thought both teams were very attacking-minded, so it wasn’t just a midfield battle,” Hall said. “We had to defend hard to keep the ball out of the net, and a shutout in each half is always fantastic for the back line, so I’m very proud of them.”
The FLC defensive back line was strong all game, limiting the Mustangs to just 10 shots in the match, with only three shots on goal.
“I thought we grinded pretty well. I thought we played ourselves out of it a couple of times really nicely,” said Shea Haycock, who is listed as a midfielder but also plays her fair share on the back line. “I think we could’ve taken our space a little bit more, but, overall, I thought we defended really well together.”
The FLC defenders also wanted to play a quality match in front of freshman goalkeeper Kodie Johnson, who was a late addition to the starting lineup after junior Caitlyn Espinosa was scratched after pregame warmups. Hall wouldn’t comment on Espinosa’s status.
“I thought that it was definitely a tough decision right before the game started. I was very happy with Kodie; she played fantastic, and she defended her goal well,” Hall said.
FLC managed to get 20 shots away on attack. Even though 12 of those were on goal, few of the shots challenged Midwestern State goalie Courtney Burnette.
“The other team were strong, and we had to grind out to win balls,” FLC sophomore midfielder Carolyn Archer said. “They were fast and strong, and playing in the right ball was difficult.”
Clarke was happy with the play of his Mustangs after they finished the week with a pair of draws against Colorado Mesa and FLC.
“To not lose a game at this altitude for our kids is massive,” he said. “I think this is the first time in three years this team has come home from this weekend undefeated. In the same sense, playing against a quality opponent like (FLC) is nothing but growth for us.”
Hall was pleased with his team’s win Thursday against Texas Woman’s and the draw result Saturday, as well. FLC will have some time to prepare for their next game at 3:30 p.m. Thursday against Angelo State in Dallas. FLC also will play Dallas Baptist at 1:30 p.m. Saturday in Dallas.
“Regional games are always tough. It’s early in the season, we haven’t found ourselves yet, we’re building, and to get a win and a draw is a very nice result,” Hall said. “I think we want to see us put it in the back of the net a few more times. We were dangerous, we were inches from it, so I want to see us score a few more goals.”
jlivingston@durangoherald.com
