Medomak Valley boys’ soccer team defeated Gardiner 4-1 on Oct. 15 in their KVAC finale, to improve their record to 11-3. The win puts them in the KVAC championship game on Oct. 22.
The Panthers peppered the Tiger net early and often, but came up empty against a sterling keeper performance from Kaleb Smith (13 saves).
Medomak’s pressure paid off late in the first half with two goals. Joaquin Perez scored on a Marc Laliberte feed with just under nine minutes to play. Brian Sweeney scored on a penalty kick with four and a half minutes to play to put the Panthers up 2-0.
The PK was called when Zach Genthner was tripped up in the box. “He was crushed,” coach Butch Taylor said.
Gardiner’s Eric Goodwin scored with 2:11 to play in the half to make it a one-point game.
The next 30 minutes were quiet offensively for both teams. Perez headed in a Taylor Williamson free kick with 12:29 to play to give the Panthers some breathing room. Dale Winchenbach scored on a Perez through ball a minute and a half later to put the game out of reach for the Tigers.
“Dale Winchenbach had his best game of the season. I’ve been waiting for a breakout game from him, and he had it tonight. Brian Sweeney and Micah Ludwig also played really well,” Taylor said.
Medomak out shot Gardiner 22-8, with Caleb Thompson making six saves for the Panthers.
