First Half: Weathering the Storm
The game got off to a physical and challenging start. Early on, Benicia took control with well-connected passes and confident play on their home turf. Following some aggressive play on both ends, Benicia took advantage of a free kick just 5 minutes into the match to take the lead, 1-0.
That was all the Dons defense was willing to concede. Goalkeeper Brooke Lewis (#0) came up huge just a few minutes later, denying a Benicia breakaway with a spectacular one-on-one foot save. The defensive line of Alexa Wall (#22), Courtney Hamill (#10), Liv Kemp (#5), Ashby Raher (#15), and Farren Staino (#16) made critical plays throughout the match to keep Benicia at bay. The offense began to find their footing as well, with Ruby Coy (#9), Mari Beltramo, Audrey Tseng (#4), and Avery Titus (#3) getting some solid shots on goal.
At the 28 minute mark, the Dons were awarded a free kick, which Avery buried in the far corner with clinical precision to tie up the score. With only a few minutes left in the half, Liv shut down a dangerous breakaway and Mari nearly snuck one in before the whistle, rattling the woodwork with a powerful strike that hit the goalpost. 1-1 at the half.
Second Half: The Dons Dominate
Acalanes came out for the second half with renewed intensity. The defense continued their dominance, with Alexa sacrificing her body to prevent a promising Benicia scoring opportunity. Tatum and June Natal (#7) worked the midfield to create opportunities, with Hannah Hoover (#2) and Allie Schofield (#12) applying relentless pressure in front of the goal to force some valuable corner kicks and turnovers.
The offensive pressure finally broke the game open in the closing minutes. Following a strong run into the box by Avery, Lucy Hamilton (#8) fired a shot that the keeper couldn’t corral. Audrey was perfectly positioned to clean up the rebound, making it 2-1. Still fueled by the adrenaline from her last goal, Audrey struck again, this time launching an absolute banger from outside the box that the Benicia goalie had no chance of saving.
Final Score: Acalanes 3, Benicia 1
Come cheer on the Dons as they host the Clayton Valley Ugly Eagles this Thursday (1/15) at 5pm!
Let’s GO Dons!!