Clear Fork, Lexington use nonleague soccer game to reinvent themselves

Lexington and Clear Fork faced a nonconference regular-season soccer game on September 2, 2025, six games into the 2026 girls soccer season. Both teams dealt with key injuries, Clear Fork losing Asia Bechtel for the season due to an ACL injury, and Lexington losing Carliann Hughes to an ACL injury. The game ended in a 2-2 tie, but both teams accomplished their goal of testing their strategies against quality opponents.

Clear Fork coach Brittany Bechtel noted that they lost their center backs, forcing her to move Mya Perry to a center defender position. Lexington coach Buck Morton challenged his players to be multidimensional, with Eve Woodruff playing up top and shifting to midfield, Alexa Whitaker playing defense, and Annie Hamilton stepping up in defense despite being a midfielder by nature.

Katie Beck scored for Clear Fork in the 36th minute, and Lily Swendal gave the Colts the lead right before halftime with a penalty kick goal. Lexington turned up the pressure and scored their first goal with 4:15 left to send the game to a draw. Gabby Lay scored her first goal of the season with a shot off of a corner kick.

Both coaches recognized the need for their teams to develop a competitive edge and work on their midfield control. The game provided an opportunity for both teams to figure out their new positions and strategies as they aim for league and district championships over the next month and a half.