Fairfield’s boys soccer team responded to Monday’s tough loss against Mount Pleasant in a big way Tuesday, April 14th, shutting out Central Lee 2-0 on the road to improve to 3-1 on the season.
The victory was particularly impressive given Central Lee’s dominant start to the year. Heading into Tuesday’s match, the Hawks had outscored opponents 22-1 on the season, beating Keokuk 11-1, shutting out Centerville 7-0, and blanking Sigourney-Keota 4-0. Fairfield not only handed them their first loss of the season but scored more goals against them than all of their previous opponents combined.
Cormac Van Pelt was the hero on the scoresheet, accounting for both goals. His first goal came on a penalty kick with 25:14 left in the second half after Lane Stever was fouled in the box. Van Pelt added an insurance goal with 9:53 remaining, taking a solo drive to the right side and unleashing a strike to the far post to seal the result.
Head coach Felisto Guezimane credited the team’s ability to quickly regroup after Monday’s disappointing loss to Mount Pleasant. “We were really disappointed after the game on Monday because we didn’t play well and lost against a rival,” Guezimane said. “With no extra practice, I tweaked a few things with the formation for tonight and the boys were able to adjust and carry on with the game plan.”
Guezimane also highlighted strong individual performances throughout the lineup. Goalkeeper Henry Swan came up with several good saves to preserve the clean sheet, and Chaz Wohnoutka turned in a standout defensive performance. Two freshmen also made their mark on the night. “Freshmen Gray Saturley and Christian Rojo had significant minutes tonight which was good for their progress,” Guezimane said. “They stepped up big tonight.”
Fairfield improves to 3-1 overall and Central Lee drops to 3-1 with their first loss of the season.
Photo by A.J. Roe.
