So far into their 2023 spring campaign, the Webster City boys’ soccer team have competed in nothing but close matches. Their goal differential is at plus one, but it’s the tallies in the victory column that counts the most.

Facing off against an unbeaten Clear Lake squad, who defeated teams by a 17-goal differential, the Lynx came out with a 2-1 victory in a North Central Conference tilt held last Thursday at Lions Field in Clear Lake.

The Lynx (2-1, 2-1 NCC) used two early goals within the span of two minutes, before clamping down on Lions (2-1, 1-1 NCC) in the second half to kick Clear Lake out of the unbeaten ranks.

Webster City’s two successful strikes came from a goal from junior Eduardo Perez and an assist from sophomore Eric Calles in the 13th minute, before sophomore Conner Peck blasted a shot from half field in the 15th minute. Even though the Lions got on the board by way of senior Leo Tolentino in the 39th minute, the Lynx held firm before sealing the victory.

According to WCHS head boys’ soccer coach Craig Signorin, the victory came at a cost.

“It wasn’t the prettiest at times, but when you’re down two starters, we did what we had to do to get the job done,” Signorin said.

On the docket for the purple and gold is a home match, as the Lynx play host to Belmond-Klemme (3-3, 1-1 NCC) at 5:30 p.m. this evening at Lynx Field in Webster City. The Broncos come in winning three of their last four fixtures.

The Lynx struck first, when Calles found Perez, who blasted the ball into the back of the net from 30 yards out in the 13th minute.

“We started fast and scored early, which was a goal of ours,” Signorin said. “I thought we kept the ball well in the middle, (Calles) was very dangerous for us up top. And defensively, stuck to a game plan to keep their top goal scorers easy chances.”

“Eric held a ball in the box, then slotted the ball back where Eddy left it while taking a defender away,” Signorin added. “Eduardo was there with a terrific strike from 30 (yards away).”

Two minutes later, Peck booted a long ball, which eluded the keeper’s grasp.

“We had a free kick from the half,” Signorin said. “(Peck) asked where I wanted it, and I told him to hit it all the way to the goalie. He did just that, the ball carried and the (keeper) couldn’t get a touch on it.”

No more than 15 minutes in, the Lynx generated a 2-0 lead.

Before the half, though, Clear Lake took advantage of poor marking from the visiting Lynx, before trimming Webster City’s lead down to 2-1.

At intermission, the Lynx held on to the one-goal advantage.

Returning from the break, the scoring subsided. However, Webster City did have some opportunities on goal, according to Signorin.

“We played a bit defensive in the second half, but still had chances,” said Signorin. “(Calles) hit one off the post and we couldn’t be first to a couple bouncing balls in the back.”

Perez was credited with his third goal of the season, while Calles earned his second assist. Peck’s half field shot was his first scoring touch of the fledgling campaign.

Signorin offered plenty of praise for his team, and noted the efforts of seniors Pedro Zen and senior Adan Perez. Zen joins the Lynx as a foreign exchange student from Argentina.

“I’m most proud of the guys that stepped in and filled a role,” Signorin said. “I put players where they usually don’t play, and I praise the play of Pedro, This was his first start, playing time, first real soccer game ever. He played in the back line and did a terrific job. Adan Perez also gave us some good minutes, as well.”