It was a clash of identities as the Acalanes Dons faced off against the Amador Valley Dons, but after a slow start, the Aca boys proved which Dons reigned supreme with a commanding 12-5 victory.
Acalanes started the afternoon a bit cold. Amador Valley wasted no time, finding the back of the net in the opening minute and following up shortly after to jump out to a quick 2-0 lead. However, the Aca offense didn’t stay quiet for long. Curtis Sanders ignited the spark with a sweet goal to put Acalanes on the board, and just sixty seconds later, Jan Korzeniowski buried one to knot the game at 2-2 to end the first quarter.
The second qtr. began as a defensive grind, with both squads locking down the middle of the field. Amador Valley managed to break the stalemate halfway through the quarter to take a 3-2 lead, but the Acalanes response was swift. Korzeniowski pulled a sneaky move, wrapping around the back of the net to tuck in his second goal of the day.
Caleb Mason then made a statement goal. From nearly 30 yards out, Mason ripped a laser into the net to give Acalanes their first lead at 4-3. Proving he was hot, Mason stepped into the exact same spot with just 17 seconds left in the half and let another one fly, sending Acalanes into the locker room with a 5-3 cushion.
The third quarter was a showcase of Acalanes’ relentless pressure. Despite several incredible saves from the Amador keeper, the Aca momentum was unstoppable. Luke Dafferner turned a clear into a highlight reel, sprinting the length of the field to score a “coast-to-coast” beauty. Jackson Tseng kept the pressure on, coming around the crease to finish a goal of his own, before Dafferner struck again. After vacuuming up a loose ball on the defensive end, Dafferner took it home to stretch the lead to 8-3.
The fourth quarter was all about the “Blue Wall” on defense. Cooper Banwart, Anthony Quinn, David Gallacher, Cash Ricker, and Leo Deignan were absolute lockdown. Following a key turnover, Deignan showcased his wheels, clearing the ball the length of the field before feeding Grant Condy in front of the goal who finished the play for a 9-4 lead. Condy wasn’t finished, flashing to the side of the net just a minute later for a quick-stick goal.
Amador Valley managed one final tally to test the Aca defense, but the outcome was already decided. To put the finishing touches on a dominant performance, Luke Dafferner and Caleb Mason went back-to-back one last time to seal the deal. Way to go Dons (Acalanes Dons that is!).
Final Score: Acalanes 12, Amador Valley 5.