Shawn McCready's breakaway goal in the 10th minute of overtime on Sunday made champions of the Clark College men's soccer team.With time running out in the first overtime period, McCready scored a golden goal at the end of a quick counter-attack run as the Penguins beat Spokane, 1-0, in the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges championship match. The tally came 56 seconds from the end of the first 10-minute extra period, in the 100th minute of play.
Clark goalkeeper Sean Ervin made five saves, and several plays that kept Spokane from scoring, to earn the shutout. The match was played at Starfire Complex in Tukwila.
McCready received a one-touch pass from Jason Martschinske and broke free behind the defense, dribbling the ball into the penalty area and beating Spokane goalkeeper Josh Peck.
First-year Clark coach Biniam Afenegus said perseverance earned his players a championship.
"Hopefully, they learned the rewards of hard work," Afenegus said.
In his first season, Afenegus said his goal was to challenge for a division championship and build a solid foundation. With a team of players mostly from Clark County high schools, the Penguins became champions.
"This exceeded all expectations," Afenegus said. "That's what makes it so sweet."
This is the second men's soccer championship for Clark, which won its first title in 1997. This was the Penguins second soccer championship game, and the fifth time the program has reached the semifinals.
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