Exeter sweeps CVC for second straight year with 2-1 win on Thursday, Jan. 24
By Patrick Dillon @PDillon_SGN
VISALIA – The Exeter Monarchs extended their winning streak over the previously unbeatable Central Valley Christian Cavaliers to four games after a 2-1 win last Thursday.
“It has always been a battle when we face CVC,” Exeter head coach Darin Lasky said. “The games really haven’t changed it’s just we are on the winning side now.”
Six of the recent games between the Monarchs (8-5-1, 7-1) and the Cavaliers (5-10-1, 3-4-1) have been decided by one goal with Exeter winning the last three including last Thursday.
In the first few minutes it seemed Exeter was going to win by their largest margin. Karina Mendez and Elina Grimm scored two quick goals, and Exeter possessed the ball much of the first six minutes. In that time Exeter had six other scoring chances. According to Lasky if it had not been for CVC’s goal keeper making some next level saves the score very well might have been worse.
Shortly after going ahead 2-0, Exeter made a crucial mistake on defense and surrendered their only goal, and made the score 2-1.
Yet, Exeter did not surrender another score as the game turned physical. Lexe Cortez, one of Exeter’s top offensive players, missed about 15 minutes of the second half after a collision. She was however, able to return to the game. In her absence Exeter had multiple players step up to fill the void.
“We are starting to play consistently good soccer,” Lasky said.
This is Exeter’s seventh win in nine games which is a good sign they are firing on all cylinders heading into the last week and half of the season. Exeter will play three games this week. They began Monday with a home tie 1-1 with the Selma Bears. Tonight, Exeter hits the road to play the Hanford West Huskies. Then on Friday is a battle for first place Kingsburg Vikings at 6 p.m.
“If we play the way I know we can play than no team will be able to stay with us,” Laskey said.
