John Oley (Meagan Schulz Photo)

SHERBURNE – Going up against the Center State Conference Division-I league leaders, the Sherburne-Earlville Marauders held strong and nearly tied with the Clinton Warriors. However, S-E fell 1-0 to the Warriors at home Friday afternoon.

In the hard-fought and physical match, Clinton’s Mathew Lewis found the back of the net in the 28th minute of the first half. The long goal of the game proved to the game-winner for the visiting team, aiding in the Warriors’ run to start undefeated in league play.

Brogan Winton of the Marauders’ broke through the Warrior defense on a counter attack late in the game. As Winton put a shot on goal, Clinton’s Seamus Gale denied the attempt, sending the game tying goal away with two minutes left to play in the game.

“Although Clinton was dominant, our defense hung tough enough to get our offense a chance to counter,” said Marauders’ head coach Michael Rodriguez.

Goalkeeper John Oley made a nine saves in the loss for S-E.