The Dons varsity boys soccer team faced a challenging pre-season schedule and didn’t post a victory until their fifth match as they started with an 0-2-2 record. However, featuring a team with numerous underclassmen, the team has since been on a roll and now sits at 7-3-3 overall with a stellar 6-1 league record. The Acalanes squad travelled to Martinez on Tuesday night to face the Alhambra Bulldogs. The Dons had numerous opportunities to score throughout the first half but the Bulldogs goalkeeper kept appearing out of nowhere to thwart the threats. The first half ended with an empty scoresheet and an edgy Acalanes crowd in the stands.
The Dons nearly fell behind early in the second half when the Alhambra striker got loose but goalkeeper Jake Boselli made a fine kick save near the right post to keep only goose eggs on the scoreboard. As the match approached the final 20 minutes still without a score, Dons senior midfielder Colin Sohn deftly dribbled through several Bulldog defenders along the left side and slid a centering pass in front of the goal where FRESHMAN forward Darren Madrid knocked it by the goalie! Although they were rebuffed on several other scoring opportunities, the Dons held on for the 1-0 victory. Madrid was honored as “Man of the Match” for his monstrous, game-winning goal and all-around fine play on the front line.
Last weekend the Dons hosted the Alameda High Hornets on Saturday afternoon. The Hornets stung the Dons early with a goal only two minutes into the match. The remainder of the match was an even, back-and-forth contest. The Dons continued to leverage their sharp passing to advance the ball but the Hornet defenders kept swarming to the ball and repelled all the Acalanes advances. Finally, the Dons got a break with only two minutes left when a penalty kick was awarded and Jonny Roth buried it to pull the match even at 1-1, which is where it ended. Roth was named “Man of the Match” for his superb play at center back as well as the tying goal.
The Dons travel to Moraga tonight, Thursday, Jan 25th at 7:30 to rival Campolindo Cougars. Don some blue and come out to support the team!
