BOYS SOCCER: Oregon City beats Cleveland 2-1 (9/12/2012)

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Oregon City 2, Cleveland 1

Cleveland started out strong in their first regular season game against the Oregon City Pioneers. They had two breakaways in the first 5 minutes of the game, and scored on a third, a long pass by senior midfielder Nick Van Marter that was struck home by junior forward Adrien Baures for the Warrior's first official goal of the year. 

Oregon City struck back at around the 10 minute mark with a 30 yard shot from the right side that slipped just inside the far post. Both teams had scoring chances as the first half progressed, including a shot over the bar by junior Mudy Abdikadir on a cross by junior Daniel Merchant, and a late blast by Van Marter that just slipped by the post. 

Cleveland started out sluggish in the second half, and allowed OC to score on a defensive lapse early on. But they came to life again with about 25 minutes remaining and showed the kind of hustle and ball control they are capable of. They played with tremendous intensity and held the ball most of the rest of the game, and had several good opportunities, including several long tosses by throw-in specialist Braxton Griffith directly into the box. Despite the offensive surge by the Warriors, OC managed to hang on for the victory. 

Cleveland travels next to Clackamas High School to face another tough 6A opponent at Noon on Saturday, 9/15.