Playoff-bound soccer boys start off sloppy but refocus, earning 3-0 win against Faith Christian

After decimating the Faith Christian Lions, 6-0, at home on Oct. 20, the varsity boys’ soccer team knew they were in for some fun in their next match-up on Oct. 29, their last regular season game before playoffs.

With sole possession of first place in their league, the Cavs earned a 3-0 win away in Yuba City against the Lions, the cherry on top to the end of their regular season.

From the start of the game, the Cavs knew they were in control. But the confidence went to their heads.

“We didn’t have our heads in the game,” senior goalie Brad Petchauer said. “We were sloppy because of our confidence.”

But the Cavs regained focus and went to work. Sophomore B.J. Askew dribbled the ball down field into scoring position.

He finished defender after defender, juking them in the progress. Firing at the goal,  Askew seamlessly sent the ball into the back of the net, putting the Cavs up, 1-0.

But the Cavs weren’t done yet. Sophomore Andrew Rossell had the ball on the wing as he saw Askew cutting towards the goal.

He precisely passed the ball through the Lions’ defense right to Askew’s feet, something the Cavs said they needed to work on.

Off that clean assist from Rossell, Askew put another goal in the back of the net, giving the Cavs a 2-0 lead.

As the first half came to a close, the Cavs seemed to have more confidence than when they started.

After back and forth trading, junior Christian Van Vleck found himself with the ball on the wing. Like Rossell, he noticed a teammate ,freshman Yelin Mao, cutting down the opposite side of the field.

Van Vleck crossed the ball to the fan-favorite Mao for an easy goal, extending the Cavs’ lead to 3-0. The game ended shortly after, making it their 10th win of the season.

Petchauer says that because of the weak caliber of team they were facing, a lot of bench players were got valuable playing time.

“Players off the bench had great contributions, and everyone communicated,” Petchauer said.

Holding sole possession of first place because of their winning record against Cristo Rey, the Cavs will next compete in the playoffs. The opponent and details for the first game have yet to be determined.

—By Jake Longoria

Print Friendly, PDF & Email