Girls' soccer: Heated Clearfield-East game ends in 2OT tie

Clearfield and East played to a 1-1 tie Tuesday in a girls' soccer match that was equal parts track meet, chess match and prizefight. Unfortunately, the game will not be remembered for the fantastic play on the field but for a last-minute call in the second overtime.

With 20 seconds left on the clock, East senior Madison Roemer broke through Clearfield's backfield and out-dribbled goalkeeper Kaitlyn Stratton. Roemer's golden goal should have ended the game for the Leopards, but a late offsides call negated the score, finishing the game in a tie. East head coach Rudy Scheck angrily contested the call and was issued a red card.

The play on the field matched the scorching temperatures. Both teams played to a draw with aggressive passes and dominating defense until the 67th minute. Clearfield senior Kelsee Bone shot a penalty kick to junior Kenslee Doman, who found the first goal of the match. East junior Jayne Christensen tied the game at the 69th minute, forcing overtime.

The undersized Falcons pressed East throughout overtime in a frantic slugfest, with each team firing away on goal.

"It was a very intense game," Clearfield head coach Lauren Clifford said. "Both teams played huge, and I am really proud of our girls' performance."

Preseason losses for Clearfield were learning experiences for the Falcons. Defeating their rival Syracuse last week gave them the confidence to take on the third-best team in the state.

"We gave them everything we had, and I personally wanted it so bad for my teammates," Stratton said. "East is such a good team that I knew we had to play our absolute best."

East assistant coach Erika Hard said Clearfield put up a huge fight and the Leopards should have put them away when they had the chance. They failed to take advantage of numerous shots on goal and were stopped by Clearfield's defense.

"They [Clearfield] never let down," Hard said. "They played hard throughout the entire game." —

Storylines East 1, Clearfield 1 (2OT)

R Clearfield goalkeeper Kaitlyn Stratton ends the game with 22 saves.