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Fluvanna girls soccer takes long-awaited opener over Charlottesville

 

The Fluvanna and Charlottesville Girls soccer teams had to wait a long, long time to get back out on the pitch.

 

“I mean, it’s great, soccer’s back and we’ve been working really hard these last two weeks and I’m happy that they brought that energy to the game tonight, it’s a really talented group so I can’t really take the credit for it,” said Fluvanna coach Katrina Ditta.

 

That hard work and energy helped drive the Flucos to a win in their opener as a pair of Evelyn Demers goals lifted Fluvanna past the Black Knights 2-1.

 

Through the first 10 minutes of the match, both teams were able to make some pushes, but never broke through. Then at the 29:24 mark, Demers found the back of the net on a two-on-one breakaway up the middle with Cristina Valladares assisting on the play to give the Flucos an early 1-0 lead.

 

They wouldn’t hold that lead for long however, as Andrea Lefkowitz got on a breakaway of her own with 25:59 left in the first half, tying the game at 1-1.  And after plenty of back and forth play, the score would remain tied going into the halftime break.

 

For the majority of the second half, the Flucos seemed to have a big advantage in time of possession. However, for as long as they had the ball, they just couldn’t find a way to get the ball in the net.

 

Then with about six minutes left in the half, Charlottesville got their first big push with a big strike from Elizabeth Engel, that, unfortunately for the Black Knights, hit off the top of the crossbar. The Flucos quickly pushed back, and with 4:14 to play, it was Demers striking again, this time from long range, bending it inside the post to put the Flucos up 2-1.

 

“I was definitely debating whether I should take the shot or pass it to one of my teammates, but I ultimately decided that I didn’t see an open pass and I saw the opening so I just took it,” said Demers.

 

After that, the Black Knights made one final push, but were once again unable to convert, with another shot banging off the crossbar.  And that was enough for the Flucos to hang on and take the victory to start their season.

 

Charlottesville will look to regroup as they host Orange on Monday, while the Flucos on Monday will take on defending Class 3 state champion Western Albemarle.

 

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