SANTA ROSA — Playing a fourth game in six days finally took its toll on the Clear Lake Cardinals, who couldn”t hold onto a 2-1 halftime lead and fell 4-3 to Rincon Valley Christian in non-league varsity girls” soccer action Saturday in Santa Rosa.
After rallying from a 4-0 deficit to tie Cloverdale 4-4 on Thursday, the Cardinals found themselves in a 4-3 hole with time running out against Rincon Valley.
“We tried to turn on the jets but there was nothing left,” Clear Lake coach Paul Larrea said. “I think we ran out of gas a little bit.”
Goals by Telia Paskaly and Kristy Hayes staked the Cardinals to their halftime lead. Rincon Valley reeled off three straight goals in the second half to go up 4-2. Hayes” second goal of the game made it 4-3.
Paskaly, Savannah Dekeyser and Nadine Bradley had assists.
Clear Lake was minus nearly its entire midfield with Emily Norwood (ankle) and Kelcie Reynolds (concussion) sitting it out. Chelo Lundquist-Krag did play but wasn”t at 100 percent because of an ankle injury.
“That was tough to overcome and they (Eagles) are a good team,” Larrea said.
Clear Lake (5-2-2) plays three more games this week, but all of them are at home beginning with tonight”s NCL I contest against Willits at 6 p.m. The Cardinals host Lower Lake on Thursday and non-league opponent Sonoma Academy on Saturday.
