Bryan Rothamel / FlucoSportsnet.com
NOKESVILLE — The Fluvanna boys’ soccer team won its first ever Region II game with a 5-1 victory of Brentsville District in the Region II quarterfinal.
“It was a good game all around for the boys. It helps when they go down a player early on. It was a rough game, I’m glad we were able to stick it through,” said FCHS head coach Earl Gibson.
The Flucos (14-4-1) took control of the game early and never looked back. Jake Dean put in the first goal just six minutes into the game. Less than a minute later, Christian Franco skirted one past the Tiger keeper. As Franco made his way towards the open goal with ball at toe, the keeper leaped from behind to tackle him, drawing a red card and a penalty kick. It was the first of six cards, including two red cards, given to the Tigers. Fluvanna received one yellow card.
Jake Domenic completed the penalty kick on the new keeper. It didn’t stop there for FCHS. A Brandon Eck corner kick found the leaping Dale Ludwig to make it 3-0 and the game was only 11 minutes in. The first three shots on goal found the back of the net and the first corner kick was successfully completed.
“It’s great as a coach [to be up early on], because you can relax a little bit,” said Gibson.
Sean Dean put in a fourth before halftime. The Tigers scored a minute into the second half but the bunker down FCHS defense held the ball most of the final frame. Ludwig scored a second goal, dribbling between two defenders and around the BDHS keeper.
“All of our adrenaline was pumping,” Ludwig said. “We were really moving the ball up and down the field. They had no answer, it was a great feeling.”
The boys in blue limited Brentsville’s opportunities. Brentsville’s best opportunity was an open goal shot that was redirected by FCHS defender Jordan Thacker to keep the score at 2-0. The Tigers only had four shots on goal and the lone goal came on a long pass attempt that bounced over six feet, out of the reach of the leaping Jake Bachman.
Fluvanna’s next game is for a chance for a spot in the Region II championship game and a berth to the state tournament.
“We are a lot closer than I thought,” said Gibson. “It’s exciting. We’d like to get one more, definitely. At this point, I haven’t seen what other teams have. An upset would be nice, stay closer to home but if these boys show up on the road like they did tonight, hopefully we’ll continue this.”
FCHS will next play the winner of Briar Wood and Park View on Thursday.
