| philly inquirer |
[16 Oct 2005|07:58pm] |
Clearview not using injuries as an excuse
But aches and pains are taking a toll.
The Clearview girls' soccer team frowns upon the sympathy.
The Pioneers will tell you that their disappointing 5-6-1 record is a result of playing a tough non-conference schedule. Reminded that it finished 12-3-1 last year despite playing those same teams, Clearview wouldn't point to the obvious.
Despite losing five starters from last season's senior-dominated team, the Pioneers' struggles have a lot to do with injuries.
Six players have missed at least a week with injuries. One Pioneer is playing with a cast on her right arm, while another player is still hampered by a knee injury she suffered last season.
"Without a doubt the injuries have made us tougher," said Clearview coach Dan Matozza. "You start relying on each other and playing through the pain."
Playing with injuries isn't new for the Pioneers.
Last season's squad lost three starters to knee injuries.
"A lot of coaches were joking with me, saying it only happens once in a while," Matozza said. "But we are going on back-to-back years."
Senior stopper Michelle Meyer tore a knee ligament last season. Though she is able to play this season, Meyer's knee pain still persists and often limits her playing time.
Forward Kelly Lynch has played in just five games this season. The junior missed half of the season with an injury to her hip flexor and suffering a muscle contusion in her thigh.
Junior back Kim Goldy has played with a cast on her right arm since fracturing her right wrist against Cumberland in the second game of the season.
Senior goalkeeper Vicki McDermott missed Tuesday's game against Highland and is day-to-day with a slight concussion. Brook Hetherington has been sidelined two weeks with a concussion.
Meanwhile, Alyssa Mustaro (hip flexor), Laura Gallagher (toe) and Megan Barry (calf) have each missed a week because of an injury.
Despite those key losses, the Pioneers contend they are not frustrated. They still believe that they can regroup in time to qualify for the NJSIAA Group 3 playoffs.
"This just allowed us to have other people stepping up," McDermott said.
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