Clarkston topples Wayne County in playoff matchup
Clarkston High School’s varsity soccer team moved on to the second round of the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) State playoffs after defeating Wayne County High School at Hallford Stadium on April 21.
The Angoras’ victory stemmed from a defensive effort, only allowing Wayne County to attempt 10 shots on goal the entire game. Clarkston goalkeeper Gad Nkurunziza had three saves on the night, including a save from a Wayne County Yellow Jackets’ free kick that could’ve tied the game 1-1 with 34:16 left in the second half.
Both teams played stout defense at the start of the game as Wayne County and Clarkton managed to cross midfield a total of 15 times within the first 10 minutes of the game. Clarkston attempted only four shots during that stretch.
With 24:45 left to play in the first, Clarkston forward Shafi Manzi drove the ball into Yellow Jackets territory with a pass to Angoras’ mid-fielder Almasi Moni who scored in the top left corner of the net to make the score 1-0.
The field began to open for the Angoras after the first point, and they went on to attempt eight more shots on goal in the first half. Wayne County’s goalie Gavin Hilton deterred the Angoras from scoring again by saving five out of the eight shots Clarkston attempted.
Hilton had 11 saves on the night, including two saves from free kicks, to keep the score 1-0 entering the second half.
Clarkston came out hot to start the second half, putting up 12 shots while only allowing Wayne County to attempt three.
With 11:27 left to play in regulation, Clarkston forward Swayibu Mupenzi scored the second goal for the Angoras off a direct free kick to the bottom right side of the goal to make the score 2-0.
With time ticking away in the game, Wayne County attempted to score but was halted by the Angoras defense.
Clarkston held the ball with a minute left to end the game.
The Angoras put 25 shots up in the game, with Moni taking four of those shots and making one goal on the night.
Clarkston will advance to the second round of the GHSA state playoffs and will face off against East Forsyth on April 30.
