What started out as an offensive rout turned into an unexpected defensive affair for the majority of the match as the Dons relied on stellar defensive play and a hat trick from Colby Ebner to defeat San Marin 3-0 at Acalanes Stadium. Just a minute in, Jonny Roth intercepted a pass from the Mustangs center back and placed a pass at the top of the box to Ebner who had a clear path to goal but was fouled. The free kick taken by Ebner just over the crossbar. The Dons were not to be denied long as a free kick by Eitan Romick found Ben Pecci on the left wing who took a few dribbles into the middle and passed a beautiful ball to Ebner into the box which was put away for a 1-0 Dons lead. The second Dons goal would come just 5 minutes later. After Roth was fouled in the midfield near the halfline, Simon Appel delivered an exceptional ball into the middle of the penalty area where Ebner had created space heading a deft goal over the San Marin keeper who came off his line too late to make a play..

That’s when the game turned as more physical play resulted in some words and an eventual red card for starting back Ryan Rho-Baity. Acalanes would play the rest of the game one player down 10 v 11. The Dons entire game plan was turned on its head, but they were prepared and responded well. The Mustangs immediately tried to take advantage and drew a penalty in the box, but goal keeper Bryan Lurie wasn’t having it and made a tremendous kick save on an absolute bullet of a strike. With a shift in play strategy the Dons went defensive which gave Aiden Parnell an opportunity to showcase his defensive prowess off the bench and shore up the back line which played extraordinary all match. A big shout out to Ryan, Eitan, Liam Parks and Ethan Wilberts who shut down the Acalanes side of the field all game long. The second half was all about perseverance and taking advantage of quick counters. Despite the man disadvantage the Dons still had more opportunities to score throughout the match with the clincher coming once again from Ebner, a brilliant pass from Pecci (2nd assist of the match) completing the hat trick for Colby. Even with Ebner’s offensive performance, the team defense was the Dons’ MVP. Congrats to our starters who played the majority of the contest and our super subs Parnell, Maor Ziekind, Grey Helfrich, Zachary Birell, Jeremy Lara and Elliot Van Ornum. The Dons next match is at Petaluma on Saturday @ 4PM.