DANVILLE – The Caledonia United boys soccer team improved to 10-0 last week with a trio of shutout victories, including a signature win of the season over Division III powerhouse Vergennes.
Sam McLane headed home the game-winner off a pinpoint cross from Jola Otten to give Cal United a gutsy 1-0 home win over Vergennes last Tuesday. The Commodores came into the match on a three-game heater, outscoring their opponents 18-2 along the way. Josh Petersen (10 saves) and his Cal United back line shut it down for their fourth shutout of the season. Colton Reed turned away six shots for Vergennes. The Commodores fell to 6-3 with their only other two losses on the season coming to a 9-1-1 Division II Mount Abraham team.
“Vergennes is a talented, disciplined, skilled and well coached squad. Both teams generated quality chances, and our backline did a great job holding their speedy forwards from breaking through. Josh was a force in net for us again and did a fantastic job coming off his line. The chemistry and the way Eli Russell, Kaiden Rogers and Jola move the ball is fun to watch and their play in the midfield was critical. It was a gritty team win and I’m so proud of our boys for how they composed themselves today,” said head coach Peter Stratman.
Eli Russell scored twice and assisted on two other scores to lead Cal United to a 6-0 home win over Sharon Academy last Thursday. McLane added a goal and three assists as the hosts built a four-goal cushion in the first half and never looked back. River Thibault, Connor Winn and Hunter Eastman each found the back of the net and Petersen made seven stops to preserve the shutout. Collin Keep made 11 saves for the Phoenix as they fell to 6-4-1.
“Sharon is an excellent young team and they’re going to be a force over the next few seasons. The boys came out firing today and I’m thrilled that so many different players contributed to the scoresheet, it shows the depth and balance of our team,” said Stratman.
No rest, no problem for Stratman’s veteran squad the following day as Russell and McLane combined for four more goals and five assists in a 5-0 road rout of Paine Mountain. Connor Winn added another score to his impressive week, and Otten chipped in with an assist in the win. Petersen made three stops to record his fourth consecutive shutout. Owen Sweet made 13 saves in the loss as Paine Mountain fell to 4-4.
“It was a busy week and despite some tired legs, our boys were able to manufacture 18 shots and put quite a few past them. Sweet is a skilled keeper and he did a good job of keeping his team in the match. Josh and the defense were solid again and the boys have earned a well-deserved rest!” said Stratman.
Stratman’s program has now recorded double digit win seasons four out of his seven seasons since coming over from Cabot, where he racked up nearly 100 career wins and back-to-back Division IV Final Four appearances. Cal United, Twin Valley and Grace Christian continue to sit atop of the divisional standings without a loss.
Cal United welcomed Oxbow to the hedges in Danville on Tuesday before facing another stiff road test against Mountain League rival Enosburg on Thursday.
