Stingy Clearview shuts out Kingsway

The margin for error is slim for the Clearview boys' soccer team, but so are the odds of mounting much of an attack against the Pioneers defense.

Clearview doesn't score many goals, and allows much fewer, and that pattern continued with Thursday's 2-0 win over visiting Kingsway in a Tri-County Royal Division game.

The Pioneers are 7-2-1 overall and 6-0-1 in the Royal. They have scored 14 goals in the 10 games, and have surrendered just six.

"If we find a way to score, we feel we have a chance to win," said midfielder Kevin Calloway, who helped set up the first goal.

The only two losses were 1-0 defeats to Rancocas Valley and Moorestown of the Burlington County Liberty Division.

The tie? That was 1-1 earlier this year to Kingsway, which is a hard-luck 3-5-1 overall and 2-4-1 in the Royal.

Trailing by 1-0, Kingsway's Vinnie Biasello hit the post from inside the box on a low shot in the 45th minute.

"That has been the story of our year," Kingsway coach John Green said. "We have had a lot of shots hit the post, but give Clearview credit because they cashed in on their opportunities."

The first chance came in the 20th minute. Calloway, deep in his end, sent a ball past midfield to Alex Ganci. A sophomore, Ganci sent a long through ball to George Skibinski, who converted for his second goal of the season.

The Pioneers received an insurance goal when Max Crisman converted Ian Crispi's long through pass late in the second half.

Kingsway moved the ball well, but Clearview's defense stiffened when the Dragons got near the box.

Leading the way was central defender Liam Dolan, who has been the backbone of the stingy backline.

"We've been playing great team defense," Dolan said. "We've faced a lot of pressure, and I think we're coming together well."

Kingsway   0 0 – 0

Clearview   1 1 – 2

Goals: C-George Skibinski, Max Crisman.

Saves: K-Ian Kinnarney 5; C-Gianluca Bastia 8.