DANVILLE – Seniors Sam McLane and Eli Russell looked to be in midseason form last week as they powered Caledonia United soccer past Burke Mountain Academy (BMA), improving to 2-0.
photo by Vanessa Fournier
Russell recorded a hat trick for Cal United and McLane found the back of the net twice as they turned away BMA at home last Thursday 6-1. Jola Otten buried a feed from Russell for his second goal of the season just three minutes into the match to put the home team up 1-0. McLane and Russell each broke free for a score to give Cal United a three-goal cushion before BMA’s Charles Lemerond converted a penalty kick just after the break to make it 3-1.
“The first 15 minutes of the match were just beautiful. Sharp passing, great ball movement and decisive defense. We fell off a bit after going up 2-0, but all in all a solid win,” said head coach Peter Stratman.
Russell flashed the skills that made him a Vermont All-State selection last year in the second half, beating the BMA defense two more times to complete the hat-trick. McLane ended the scoring on the day with his fourth goal in two matches. The talented senior hasn’t missed a beat since returning to the pitch from a leg injury that ended his season late last fall. Josh Petersen made one stop in the win for the Cal United defense.
photo by Vanessa Fournier
“I was pleased the way the boys started fast and controlled the tempo from the outset. Jola and Eli created and finished a great chance for us early and we never looked back. I was especially proud of the boys for denying BMA quality scoring opportunities. BMA is fast, athletic, and never gave up. It was a good team win,” said Stratman.
It was a nice rebound for Stratman’s club after falling to BMA 4-0 last season in what has become an annual fall match-up between the two schools. The Bears are a powerhouse in both cross-country and Nordic skiing and play a limited soccer schedule in Division II.
Cal United has outscored its opponents 11-2 early in the season, as they head into their first road test of the year.
Cal United traveled to BFA-Fairfax on Monday in a clash of undefeated teams atop the Mountain League. They stay on the road for a matchup against Richford on Thursday and will travel to Burke next Tuesday for a rematch with the Bears.
