Bulldogs drop league opener

Enterprise Sports Editor

Clay exploded for three quick second half goals to break open a close game and defeat Swanton 6-2 in Northwest Ohio High School Soccer League action on Tuesday.

The Bulldogs kept the game close in the opening half despite the Eagles mostly controlling possession. An Rick Dempsey goal in the third minute gave Clay an early 1-0 lead.

The Eagles kept the pressure on but had a goal waived off because of an offside call, had Dempsey rocket a shot off the cross bar and had Swanton keeper Brandon Haley deflect a Dempsey shot just over the goal.

The Bulldogs started to put together more offensive pressure late in the opening half, but the game remained 1-0 Clay at the break.

The Eagles soared out of the halftime break, scoring three goals in the first five minutes of the second half. Kirk McGlaughlin started things off when he got behind the goal and found the net for a 2-0 advantage.

Neal Booth then scored a minute and half later for a 3-0 lead. McGaughlin made it 4-0 when he converted a pass from Dempsey into a goal.

Swanton was finally able to break through near the 18-minute mark. Following a Josh McCaughey free kick, Tyler Estes controlled the loose ball shot the ball to the corner of the net past the Clay keeper.

Dempsey and Estes each added another goal to their total late in the half.

The Bulldogs will travel to South Toledo to face Maumee Valley Country Day School in another league match today and then host Waite on Thursday.