Dons 1, Ugly Eagles 0

This past Thursday, Clayton Valley came to Acalanes with a fast, aggressive, dare we say rough start – ready to put up a fight. And it was all of that, with the majority of the first half played on the Aca side, many shots on goal, and a subsequent defensive showcase from Audrey Tseng (#4), Courtney Hamill (#10, total body sacrifice), Alexa Wall (#22), Ashby Raher (#15), Liv Kemp (#5), and keeper Avery Adams (#0). A remarkable team effort.

There were some fantastic runs and passes by Mari Beltramo (#11), Allie Schofield (#12), Ruby Coy (#9), and Lucy Hamilton (#8) that created dynamic movement around the field and opened up the playing space significantly. At one point, June Natal (#7) had a flock of Ugly Eagles around her – most of them fouling – and managed to hold onto the ball while maneuvering to get off a precision pass. So strong.

Then a great assist from Talia Tichenor (#20) to Ruby for a shot just shy at the 6-minute mark. Allie’s command down the line was a joy to watch, and the multiple offsides calls on Clayton Valley illustrate the power of our defense.

And we were scoreless at the half.

The second half was action-packed. Here’s the quick and dirty:

• Audrey had a monster free kick (the result of a pretty major foul) from waaaay out that was entirely too much for their goalie to handle… 1-0, Dons!
• I n c r e d i b l e save by keeper Livvy Lewis (#0). YES!
• Beautiful teamwork, definitive passing, fancy footwork, some nutmegs, a gorgeous trap by Tatum Walsh (#13) – all the little details that make this such a fun game to play and watch.
• Another awesome save by Livvy on a corner, then by Courtney on another.

And game.

Berkeley 0, Dons 4

Last night at Berkeley High, our field reporter – Farren Staino’s (#16) grandfather – objectively covered the game:

 

Come cheer on our Dons Thursday (1/22) away against cross-town rivals Miramonte at 5p. 

Let’s GO Dons!!