Late push falls short as Clinton FC drops season debut
After two friendlies and a preseason jamboree, Clinton Football Club opened its 2025 soccer regular season late last week.
The team came up just short in its season opener, falling to Knoxville’s Northwest Orange 4-3 Thursday night in the Goal Soccer League debut for both squads at Dragon Stadium.
“We lost a heartbreaker. They just had things go a little more their way,” Clinton FC Coach Jake McMurray said. “I think we have the better team.
“Our kids played really hard and they played well, and I’m proud of them, but it was a heartbreaker. It was a super emotional game.”
Samuel McMurray scored and notched an assist for Clinton FC, a squad composed of student-athletes from Clinton Middle School.
Juan Zorro Costano and Jordan Cuevas also found the back of the net, while Austin Barahona added an assist.
Coach McMurray praised the effort of two players on the back line, spotlighting the performances of defenders Jack Hazuda (center back) and Tylen Cook.
“Jack Hazuda is our tallest and fastest player, and he helps us play higher up the pitch because he can chase down a counterattack,” McMurray said. “Tylen did a good job in the back and really helped Jack out back there.”
Clinton FC visited Berean Christian School in Knoxville on Monday night, but results were unavailable at press time.
The team will return home Thursday, April 7, to host Cedar Bluff Yellow at Dragon Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m.
