Ford beats Chippewa Valley 4-0 and starts the new season solidly

Ford’s soccer team is looking to recreate the magic of the end of last season, when it went eight games unbeaten before losing 3-1 to eventual Division 1 champions Troy Athens in the quarterfinals.

The Falcons are not there yet, but have had a good start to the season.

“We have six players back from last year, so there are a lot of new faces,” coach Chris Alston said Monday after Ford defeated Chippewa Valley 4-0 in a Macomb Area Conference crossover game. “It takes a lot of coaching. They’re playing well so far, but they need to get better.”

“We have kids that have been in the program. They’ve seen (success), but there’s a difference between watching us play and being out here playing. They’re open to coaching. It’s just a matter of getting the kids in the games, giving them reps, making mistakes, taking their beatings and then working it out. Hopefully, when we get into league play (MAC White), we’ve reduced those mistakes.”

Ford has wins over MAC Red opponents Dakota (1-0) and Chippewa Valley and a 1-1 tie with Utica.

“They played really well against Dakota and really well against Utica and both teams look strong,” Alston said. “We have a little more on the bench tonight so it didn’t look quite as clean, but it was good for the guys to get minutes.”

Co-captain Solomon Gambone is one of three returning starters in the defense line who, along with veteran goalkeeper Arman Turkanovic, have been a strength of the team this season.

Chris Alston, head coach of the Ford boys soccer team, watches his Falcons’ game against Chippewa Valley on Monday, Aug. 26. (GEPRGE SPITERI for MediaNews Group)

There is a continuation of the success of last season.

“I think that needs to carry over more,” Gambone said. “Last year we worked hard, never wanted to give up and became a brotherhood. We need more of that this year. We’re spread out across different year groups. Last year we were all friends for a super long time. Once the relationships grow, it gets better.”

Gambone is happy with the defense, which includes co-captain Tarik Skokic, Johnpaul Hanna and rookie Jayden Brown.

“Our defense has been very solid, hardworking and fearless,” he said. “Our defense hasn’t really changed. We lost our right guard Ansu (Fofana). He was very defensive and fearless, and that’s what we have with our sophomore Jayden. I think the core of our defense is strong. That’s the reason for our success so far.”

Alston agrees.

“Our strength lies in the back. We work seamlessly,” he said. “We work with our central players and our offensive players in attack. There are a lot of new faces there.”

Ford opened the scoring ninth minute of the first period when Kyle Huhn converted a corner kick from Jacob Cadrette. The Falcons increased their lead to 2-0 with 6:33 left in the period on a long, high kick from John Michael Pauluk.

Gambone joined the goal parade with a free kick from 27 meters 6:21 minutes before the end of the game.

“I aimed for the top left corner,” he said. “Their goalkeeper (Dominic Savich) is a rookie and played a brilliant game, but his size limits him. I didn’t think he could reach the top left corner. Fortunately, I was in a good position and was able to take a good shot.”

Anthony Sabatini completed the goal for Ford with 1:40 minutes left with an assist from Kaleb Pfeifer.

Chippewa Valley, already shorthanded due to injuries and vacations, played the final 14 minutes with ten players after a red card was shown.

“We’re still very young,” said Big Reds coach Gerry Haggarty. “We have six sophomores and a freshman in goal. Right now we’re missing four guys. We’re working hard. In a week or two we’ll be a different team. This is an opportunity for guys who don’t play as much to come in, get better and prove themselves.”

“We only have four seniors. I have to be patient. I have a solid core for the next three years. Some of our best players are sophomores. We’re going to do some good things this year and those things will be a bonus.”

The game was played in temperatures around 90 degrees.

Alston said he began preparing the players for the heat several days ago.

“We’ve talked to the guys about drinking water,” he said. “Staying hydrated for a couple of days. We’ve had the same conversation now about hydration for Wednesday (at L’Anse Creuse North).”

topicnews · August 27, 2024

Ford beats Chippewa Valley 4-0 and starts the new season solidly – Macomb Daily

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