The Acalanes boys soccer team took on the Ygnacio Valley Wolves on Thursday at home.  The first half followed a familiar script as the Dons controlled the ball with crisp passing and aggressive defense but couldn’t punch in a goal and both teams left the pitch scoreless at the break. The second half started no differently as the clock ticked under 30 minutes remaining with no score. However, the Dons finally broke the seal at the 27-minute mark after Colby Ebner was fouled in the center of the field about 40 yards out. Senior midfielder Colin Sohn skillfully lofted the free kick in front of the goal and junior striker Niko White sliced between two YV defenders to find the back of the net. 

Throughout the match, the Dons fended off any offensive push by the Wolves with steals, kick-outs, and controlled passing. The Dons got contributions from numerous backline defenders including Ethan Wilberts, Griffin Dubois, Ryan Ryo-Baity, Simon Appel, and Jonny Roth. Midfielders Lucian Krage Zillas, Omri Noiman and Zack Roder effectively moved the ball forward to set up scoring opportunities. Still clinging to a tenuous 1-0 lead, the Dons finally put the home crowd at ease with 11 minutes left as junior forward Ben Pecci slid across the middle of the field at the edge of the box and delivered a beautiful pass to left winger Colby Ebner. Ebner controlled the ball and drilled it into the left side of the net to put the home team up 2-0, finally giving the Dons some breathing room. Ebner later iced the match in stoppage time when he leaked through the Wolves defense, faked out the goalie, and rolled the ball into a wide-open net to close the scoring. Lucian Krage Zillas was named “Man of the Match” for his continued fine play in the center of the field.  

The regular season culminates with two challenging matches next week at Northgate on Tuesday and league-leading Mt. Diablo on Thursday at HOME. Coach Curtis and the team will then anxiously await NCS seedings for the start of playoffs the following week.

LET’S GO DONS!