Luis Valdovinos scores twice as Knights drop 3-2 non-league decision to Falcons
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FAIRFIELD >> The first of two Luis Valdovinos goals gave Kelseyville the early lead, but Fairfield rallied in the second half to beat the Knights 3-2 in non-league varsity boys soccer action at Fairfield.
“We took control of the game right away,” Kelseyville head coach KC White said of the Knights’ initial effort of the new year. “We had a couple of great opportunities, and put the ball on goal, but the goalie made a couple of great saves. We finally broke through in the 15th minute when Diego (Rico) sent a through ball to Luis, who dribbled around the goalie and put in the easy goal.”
It was the first lead of the season for the winless Knights (0-7-2).
“We continued to create chances, but couldn’t put the ball in the net,” White said. “We gave up the equalizer in the 25th minute on a penalty. From that point on we lost our edge.”
Kelseyville wouldn’t score again until the 70th minute, this time on a Valdovinos goal assisted by Luis Alvarado, by which the time the Knights were down 3-1.
Like the Knights, the Falcons (1-7-2) were looking for their first win of the season. They tied the game with their goal in the 25th minute, then pushed ahead to stay in the second half with goals in the 42nd and 57th minutes.
“We dug ourselves a hole with our play in the middle 40 minutes,” White said. “We have to play better during that portion of play because we have been starting games strong and ending games stronger.”
Valdovinos was clearly the standout player for the Knights, according to White.
“Luis Valdovinos was sensational today,” White said. “He is always capable of being the best player on the field in any given game, and he showed it today. His dribbling skills are second to none, and when he can combine that with on-target shooting, he is an amazing soccer player.”
White also gave high marks to the play of Cameron Smith.
“We had to use Cameron at goalie in the first half today out of necessity,” White said. “It’s not his favorite position, but he understood our situation today and answered the call, allowing only a goal on a penalty. I put him on the wing late in the second half and he played aggressively, always getting to the ball first. I loved that kind of play from my guys.”
Kelseyville closes out its non-league schedule Tuesday in Corning at 6 p.m.
“I’m hopeful that all of these close, high-pressure games help us when our league schedule starts on Thursday,” White said.
