Still reeling from events of the previous week which had seen three key players removed from the roster as a result of continuing bad grades and a shocking defeat to Geyserville, the Panther team had somewhat rebounded with a convincing 4-0 victory over Sonoma Academy and now faced another home league match that was one they would have normally been expected to win. The opponents were Rincon Valley Christian, a mid-table team but one who always seemed to raise their game when playing AV.
The game started well for the Panthers. In the 7th minute, following sustained pressure on the RVC goal, Fernando ‘Junior’ Ferreyra fired in a low shot from twelve yards out. The ‘keeper was unsighted in the crowded goalmouth and the ball eluded his late dive and sneaked into the corner of the goal. 1-0 to AV.
Just ten minutes later it was 2-0. A fine flowing move on the right wing saw a quick interchange of passes between Erik Martinez and Jr. Ferreyra that released Carlos Espinosa in the clear, wide of the goal. He chipped the ball perfectly to the back post where Jose Gaxiola had the simplest of tasks to nod the ball home from three yards out. It seemed like a rout might be on the cards.
This was not to be. RVC made a couple of adjustments which resulted in a solid defensive line of five players and for the remainder of the half they kept the Panthers at bay despite the continued pressure. The second half became a very scrappy affair with AV dominating possession but unable to create many clear-cut chances. On a rare foray into the Panther half of the field, RVC were given a penalty kick after it was deemed Jr. Ferreyra handled the ball in his own area. The spot-kick was converted and suddenly, at 2-1, RVC were still in with a chance after being completely outplayed for long stretches.
Fortunately for AV, whose early season woes in front of goal were a continuing and very frustrating problem, the visitors offered little on offense and the game fizzled out into a 2-1 victory for AV that was as ‘ugly’ a win as I can remember. The post game talk was a downbeat affair as every player knew he could do better and, while ‘a win is a win’, if the team were going to entertain any thoughts of challenging for the league title and reaching the play-offs then much improvement would be required.
The game last Friday at Mendocino was postponed at the last minute by the opposition and will be played later in the season. This allowed the players to go to the County Fair, although with soccer bumped from the program for reasons that remain unexplained, they would be mere spectators at the two (Varsity and Junior Varsity) high school football games scheduled.
Last night (Tuesday, Sept 18th) the team traveled down to Santa Rosa for what would no doubt be a very tough battle against last season’s League Champions, Roseland Prep. Then on Friday, Sept 21st, it will be another difficult game, this time at home against St. Vincent’s of Petaluma, before, on Monday, Sept 24th, we have another home game that will see Middletown coming to the Valley. A large and boisterous crowd of locals would be much appreciated at both of this important home fixtures as that’s got to be worth a goal or two each time. See you there — Come on you Panthers!
Current record (won/drawn/lost): League 2-0-1; Overall 5-0-1
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