The Dons opened their 2025 season in Rocklin, CA at the Capital City NorCal Soccer Showcase, led by co-captains Omri Noiman (senior midfielder) and Bryan Lurie (junior goalkeeper).
Friday, December 5 vs. Davis High School
Facing a strong Davis program that reached last year’s CIF semifinals, the Dons battled through a tightly contested defensive contest. Senior center back Aidan Parnell and goalkeeper Lurie anchored a back line that held firm to a 0–0 halftime score. Acalanes continued to frustrate the Blue Devils in the second half sparked by solid midfield play by junior Zachary Birrell. A penalty kick against the run of play in the 69th minute proved decisive as the Dons fell 0–1 in a tight matchup.
Saturday, December 6 vs. Pleasant Grove High School
The Dons responded with an improved performance the following day. Birrell and Noiman controlled possession through the midfield, while Santi Vignoles applied pressure on the wings. Defenders Elliot Van Ornum, Parnell, and Shiraz Kamran delivered another strong effort as the match remained scoreless at halftime. Pleasant Grove struck first in the 58th minute, but Acalanes equalized late after Noiman delivered a dangerous 25-yard free kick that Maor Ziskind finished following a deflection in the 68th minute. The Dons secured a well-earned 1–1 draw to close out the tournament.
Next up for the Varsity squad are a trio of home games under the lights at Acalanes:
Tuesday, December 9 at 7:15pm vs. Archie Williams
Thursday, December 11 at 7:15pm vs. Petaluma
Saturday, December 13 at 4:00pm vs. Deer Valley
Please dress warm and come support the Dons!
