Acalanes came up just short in a thrilling, back-and-forth rematch at Las Lomas on Thursday night, falling 3–2 in a match that featured five first-half goals.

The Dons struck immediately, taking a 1–0 lead in the 2nd minute when Zachary Birrell finished a chance set up by Luke Wilson. Las Lomas answered three minutes later to tie the match 1–1, but Acalanes responded right back as Omri Noiman converted a penalty kick to regain the lead at 2–1. The Knights countered less than a minute later, leveling the score 2–2 on a quick counterattack. Las Lomas then grabbed the eventual game-winner in the 28th minute, taking a 3–2 lead into halftime.

The second half turned into a defensive battle as Acalanes pushed for an equalizer. Caleb Nguyen made several strong saves to keep the Dons within one, while Charlie Phillips, Noiman, and Birrell stayed aggressive in the attack and created opportunities to tie it late. Defensively, Eli Romick, Aidan Parnell, Trevor Krick, and Grant Matter anchored a strong back line to keep the second half scoreless, but the Dons were unable to find the tying goal before the final whistle.

Next Up
Acalanes returns home on Tuesday, February 3 at 7:00 PM to face Clayton Valley High School under the lights.