Knights battle hard in non-league road game against Orland
Lake County Sports on Facebook
ORLAND >> Luis Valdovinos’ goal early in the second half tied the game at 1-1, but Orland went on to beat the Kelseyville Knights 2-1 in non-league varsity boys soccer action Monday in Orland.
“We lost this game on the scoreboard, but it wasn’t for a lack of effort and desire,” Kelseyville head coach KC White said. “From start to finish, this was our best game of the season. We were the better team in the first half, earning five shots on goal. Unfortunately, Orland defenders and their keeper were in the right spot at the right time.”
After a scoreless first half, Orland jumped ahead early in the second half and held a 1-0 lead until Valdovinos, with an assist from Diego Rico, found the back of the net to tie it up.
“In the 64th minute, Diego had a beautiful cross to Luis, who finished and got us level at 1 apiece,” White said. “The boys were working so hard, and we let up for one second, which was enough time for Orland to get the lead in the 73rd minute.”
White singled out the strong play of sophomore wing Julio Lopez.
“If he continues to show that kind of effort, he will end up being a tremendous player in the future,” White said.
White also had high praise for freshman keeper Jayden Fabisch, who had battled injuries in the early going this season.
“He is learning on the job and did a tremendous job keeping us in the game,” White said. “He is only going to keep getting better with the more experience he gets this season.”
Added White, “A huge shoutout to my entire team. I thought everyone who got into the game gave 100-percent effort. The players and I noticed that we have been playing disjointed, but today was a different story. We played as one. It was a most welcomed sight to see.”
Kelseyville (0-4-2) returns to the road Saturday to play Berean Christian in Walnut Creek at 1 p.m.
Next up: Saturday at Berean Christian (Walnut Creek) at 1:00.
