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Charlottesville powers past Monticello

Both Charlottesville and Monticello High woke up after goals Monday night. The Black Knights just woke up a bit earlier and netted a 2-1 victory to stay unbeaten in Jefferson District play.

“I was a little bit nervous,” said Charlottesville coach Fernando Opere. “I didn’t think we played well in the first. I think when we scored the goal we started playing well.”

Opere’s squad finally broke through late in the first half. Charlottesville freshman Althea Pickering, who scored the gamewinner last Monday against Western Albemarle, collected a ricochet off a corner kick and buried it in the back of the net with under five minutes to play in the first half. Charlottesville took control of the action to close out the half and then maintained that control throughout a big chunk of the second half. Between Ellie Von Storch and Olivia Levine, the Black Knights managed to hold the ball on their side of the field for long stretches after the break.

“Ellie just played sensational in the second half,” Opere. “She can just create space for herself and start sending balls to the wings. But they played defense — they’re very fast.”

Monticello’s defense prevented Charlottesville from increasing the lead though with some hard nosed defense, withstanding several strong runs by the Black Knights. Aileen Berringer also came up with a couple of clutch saves during the stretch in goal, but the Mustangs couldn’t push the ball out of the zone.

The Black Knights eventually turned all that possession time into a goal when senior midfielder Emily Balcke swiped the ball from a Mustangs defender deep in Monticello territory and connected on a high, arcing shot well out of Beringer’s reach. That goal gave Charlottesville some breathing room, and they needed it because Monticello, suddenly stepped up the intensity after the Balcke score, playing frantic, up-tempo defense.

“I wish it didn’t take a goal for that to happen, but it’s a learning experience,” said Monticello coach Jessie Wright. “I’m just ready to have a rematch.”

That sudden burst of energy translated into a goal by Monticello senior Jessie Wingo with under two minutes to play.

Monticello will look to bounce back Thursday against Louisa County while Charlottesville locks up with Fluvanna County Wednesday night on the road. The rematch will have to wait until May 13.

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