MEN’S SOCCER

The Forester men’s soccer team got back in the win column Saturday night under the lights at Lake Trust Stadium by downing Cleary 2-0. The win bumps HU’s record to 5-3 while the Cougars drop to 0-2.

Huntington was quick to strike to take a lead that stood the test of time. Two minutes in, Josh Whitney slotted a beautiful ball across the six and in a race to it that included the Cleary keeper, a defender and Zach Collins, it was Collins for the win as he notched the goal for an early HU advantage.

Twenty minutes later, in another scuffle in the box, Collins challenged a ball after which Eric Ocock got on the second ball, took a few dribbles to get the edge and was hauled down. His payoff came by way of a PK that he buried at the 21:50 mark to up his team’s lead to 2-0.

With a comfortable two-goal lead, Huntington was able to ride out the rest of the contest for the W. The visitors finished with 14 shots, nine on frame, while limiting CU to ten shots, only four of which were on target. Gabe Greenfield claimed four saves to earn the win in goal. It’s the Foresters’ fourth clean sheet of the season.

“We started the game on the front foot,” said Coach Russ Lawson. “We were able to exploit some space in between their back line for some quick scores.

“It’s good to get back on the winning side of things. It was encouraging to see several different players get some big minutes. I’m extremely proud of the boys.”

HU is back at King Stadium on Wednesday to host Manchester at 4:00 p.m.