In a match defined by toughness, composure, and timely brilliance, the Acalanes Freshman Dons (6-0) earned a hard-fought 2–1 victory over rival Las Lomas on Tuesday afternoon. The Dons were led by forward Mason Foster who notched 1 goal and 1 assist and was named “Man of the Match” by the coaching staff.

The opening half was a back-and-forth battle with chances on both sides. Acalanes nearly broke through ten minutes in with some slick footwork that split the defense. However, the finish sailed just wide. The midfield remained congested, and physical play set the tone. A handball outside the box produced a dangerous free kick for Las Lomas, but the Dons defense held firm.

Goalkeeper Matt Roberts anchored the back line with a series of sharp saves, while the defense stayed organized and vocal under pressure. Luke Fratarcangeli took matters into his own hands by using his head to control and flip the field. The aggressive play earned Acalanes its first corner. Despite the chances, the teams went into halftime scoreless.

The second half opened with renewed urgency. Midfielder and team captain Jonny Rubin again came close eight minutes in, driving into the box and firing a shot that grazed just wide. Las Lomas answered with a blistering attempt that forced a full-stretch save to keep the match level.

The breakthrough came midway through the half. Rubin drew a foul just outside the box and co-captain Mason Foster stepped up and curled a left-footed free kick past the keeper, bending it into the left corner to give the Dons a 1–0 lead.

Acalanes doubled the advantage shortly after, capitalizing on sustained pressure in the box. Foster used his speed to control the ball deep in the right corner of the box and sent a cross to a streaking Sam Chamberlain who capitalized on the effort to put the Dons up 2-0.

But Las Lomas refused to fold. With four minutes left in the match, a perfectly weighted ball over the top found their center forward who cut inside and fired a clean finish into the top corner, cutting the Dons lead in half, making it 2–1.

The final minutes were tense as Las Lomas pushed forward, hoping to escape with a tie. But the Dons stayed composed, cleared their lines, and saw out the match.

In a rivalry game that demanded grit and poise, Acalanes delivered both, earning a statement win against a formidable foe.

Next up the Dons freshman take on Miramonte on 1/15. Go Dons!