Penguins yield to draw

Clark's men's soccer team rode out the Storm Wednesday night at Christensen Field.

The game ended in a 0-0 draw, keeping the Penguins in second place in the Southern Division.

"I'm really proud of the way our guys played in this game," head coach Biniam Afenegus said. "Compared to our last game against Chemeketa, we actually came out and played the full 90 minutes."

Penguin goalkeeper Tyler Luebbert bounced back from his first game against the Storm earlier this season, shutting out Chemeketa Wednesday afternoon. The sophomore allowed five goals in their last matchup Oct 15.

"I knew in the first few minutes of the game that my team and I were going to have to be on our game after they took five or six shots at me," Lubbert said. "From our last game against (the Storm), we felt like we were able to anticipate their offense even more."

Rough play from both teams revealed the magnitude of the rivalry. Five yellow cards were given out during the game between the squads, and the match saw 28 total fouls.

With one game left to play in the regular season, Clark is 7-1-4 and three points back of the division-leading Storm in the standings.

"It was somewhat of a disappointment to tie today," team captain Cody Guthrie said. "We had our chances offensively, but on the other hand, it was great to see the defense step up to the challenge."

Clark will travel to Southwestern Oregon Community College for the final game of the regular season. The playoffs begin November 9.

"We are looking towards the playoffs with some high hopes," Afenegus said. "This postseason is going to be a lot of fun. These guys are really giving it their all as of right now."