By Nick Eilerson / Scrimmageplaycva.com contributor
Western Albemarle took Fluvanna out of its game Thursday night by winning the possession battle and frequently forcing the Flucos to adopt a counter attack mentality. But Fluvanna capitalized when it mattered most, escaping Western’s home turf with a 2-0 win in a pivotal early season matchup featuring two of the most talented teams in the Jefferson District.
The Warriors played catch-up nearly all night long, as a goal by senior midfielder Tygh Allbaugh put the Flucos ahead less than two minutes into the contest. Scoring opportunities were plentiful for the home side, but none of them found their way past senior goalkeeper Nick Greco. The Fluvanna shot-stopper came away with a number of big saves against a young Western attack still searching for answers in the goal-scoring department. Through three games this season, the Warriors have tallied just two goals, both coming in a 2-0 win against Waynesboro.
“We have a young team, and we’re still trying to figure out what we’re going to be asking of certain players,” Western coach Paul Rittenhouse said. “We weren’t lacking chances. There were a couple times where their keeper had to make good saves on the ball. They put in two, but I think we really competed and matched up well against a very potent offense.”
After struggling to maintain possession in the first half, Fluvanna began to find a rhythm with its passing, resulting in considerably more scoring chances in the final 40 minutes. Still, their best opportunities came from set pieces and counter attacks. Senior forward Taylor Rafaly nearly extended the Flucos’ lead on one such counter attack in the 59th minute, as he fought off junior defender Aidan Barkley in the open field to unleash a hard blast on goal. But Shin positioned himself perfectly to make the stop and keep his team within reach. A frenetic pace of play ensued, as Western fought back with a flurry of shots that found every place but the back of the net.
The dagger came in the 62nd minute, when Fluvanna took advantage of a free kick on the edge of the box to secure a 2-0 cushion. Junior midfielder Jake Domenic drove a hard, low ball inside into the teeth of the box, where senior midfielder Josh Hinkle stuck a foot out to redirect the ball into the net. The Warriors pressed forward relentlessly from that point but were never able to draw blood.
“It’s our second game of the season, and to have to come to Western, where we have not done very well, it’s a good win,” Fluvanna coach Patrick Dieter said. “[Western is] a young team. They’re a team that next year and two years from now, they’re gonna be great. They played great tonight. My team hung in there. We played much better in the second half, and we’re just glad to get out of here with a win.”
In the end, it was Allbaugh’s early goal that paved the way for the Fluco victory. Rafaly set up the early score with a cross that met the head of Allbaugh, whose flick-on sailed over Shin and into the net.
“The first goal is probably one of the most important in the game,” Allbaugh said. “When Taylor had that cross I just tried to get it towards goal. Kai’s a great goalie, so to get a goal on him is a really good feat.”
The going only gets tougher for Western, which will begin a three-game road swing against a formidable Orange squad that beat them soundly last year. Fluvanna, meanwhile, gets a week’s rest before traveling to Louisa next Thursday.
