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Cougars Drop Match to Warner


(11/2/10) Clearwater Christian College dropped a tough-fought match to Warner University 2-0 in their final tuneup before the NCCAA National Tournament. Prior to the match, the eight seniors on the team were honored for their outstanding contributions to the college and soccer program.

The match was very evenly played throughout, with neither team able to create many quality chances. The Royals struck first in the 32nd minute when the Cougars were called for a foul in the box and Michael Alvarado scored on the ensuing penalty kick. The Cougars came back and had their best chance of the half when Carl Lassegue sliced through the Warner defense but had his shot rebound off the post and back to the Warner keeper.

The Cougars came out of the half intent on getting the game-tying goal, but a mistake in the back cost Clearwater as Santiago Allaria capitalized by beating the keeper to put the Royals in command at 2-0. Clearwater came back strong and had a great chance in front of the net following a free kick, but Drew Custer's shot sailed over the crossbar to keep the margin at 2 goals.

Coach Whitaker had this to say following the match: "It was great to be able to honor an amazing group of seniors that have been a huge part of building our program the past few years. We had our chances to come up with the upset tonight but we can't afford to make mistakes against a team the caliber of Warner. We're looking forward to the challenge of the upcoming National Tournament."

Clearwater will travel to Kissimmee, Florida to play in the NCCAA D-II National Tournament on November 10-13. The Cougars are the defending national champions and are the #1 seed in the tournament and will play their opening match against Dallas Christian College on Wednesday, November 11 at 5pm.