Above: Freshman Goalkeeper Austin Mansker led the Warriors to their first ever tie with Bellarmine.

Valley Christian Ties Bellarmine for the 1st Time in School History 1/20

The day lined up perfectly.  The game would be webcasted by the VC broadcasting department, and filmed with two cameras.  There were two photographers, and the weather was absolutely perfect. The stage was set for the rematch of Valley Christian vs the top team in CCS (also nationally ranked) Bellarmine.

Coach Basanese commented on the setting.

"It seemed like everything went right leading up to this game.  We had a great team dinner last night at the Cardoza's, played some music and had a good time.  Then today, the weather was perfect, and we got a good warm-up in.  We knew that Bellarmine would be good, they always are, I just challenged the kids before the game to give me everything they had."

The Warriors made a slight formation change to mitigate Bellarmine's success early in games.

"Coach Fugate was tasked with installing a 4-5-1 formation for use in the first 10 minutes of this game.  He did a fantastic job of that, as you saw today.  We kept the tempo early, and then when we switched back to the 4-4-2, it seemed to work.  That was huge for us." Basanese said.

The game started off with VC and Bellarmine trading chances.  In the 7th minute, Kegan Garrison got free and fired a shot that hit the Bellarmine post.  A close call for the senior midfielder.

Bellarmine would have their chances too, but freshman 'keeper Austin Mansker stood strong in the net to keep the game level. In the 14th minute, the game would change.

Junior John Walitsch dispossessed a Bellarmine player about 30 yards from goal, took a look up, and then fired a shot that went just over the Bellarmine 'keeper's hands and into the net. 1-0 VC.

"I was really proud of John right there.  He was fired up for this game, and you could tell that he wanted to win.  He saw the goalie out of the net a little, so he took his chance.  That was a great goal for us." Coach Fugate said following the game.

The game would remain fast paced with the VC defense managing the slight lead.  Bellarmine kept the pressure on, but could not score. 1-0 at halftime.

The second half started off with more of the same.  The Warriors had a few chances early, and then the momentum started to turn. 

An unlucky turnover deep in the VC end led to a nice volley that found it's way just inside the far post to tie the game 1-1.

VC kept fighting.  With 22 minutes left in the half, freshman Alex de Leon did well to earn a free kick about 20 yards from goal.  Senior Captain Ross Mark stepped up and hit a great bending ball that found the far post upper corner!  2-1 VC.

Bellarmine would come back with a long range goal with only 8 minutes to play.  The player took the ball about 35 yards out, and fired a shot that found its way through the defense. 2-2.

The game would be intense the rest of the way.  Aaron Hutton found himself on a breakaway in injury time, but a Bellarmine defender checked back to take the ball away. 

With 30 seconds remaining in the game, Mansker would make the save of his young career.  Bellarmine got behind the VC defense, and the Bellarmine player got in alone with Austin.  Austin came out and closed the angle perfectly, diving and taking the shot off the chest.  The ball was cleared by the VC defense, as the final whistle blew.

Basanese's final comments emphasized the importance of having Mansker in the goal.

"I can't even really explain how huge he is for us.  The defense is so much more confident knowing that they can give a player a shot, and Austin will save it.  That save he made to close out the game amazed me.  He's so technical, and he's a freshman!  Another great game by our goalie today.  He's had an amazing season already."

"We got a result today against an incredibly talented team, who's well coached, and well organized.  I know I said this after Mitty, but I've never been more proud as a coach."

"We are in the thick of things, we just need to get ready for another tough game this Saturday.  This time it's Serra who is a very good team." Basanese concluded.

Check back with the website for updates on the game.

Game Notes: This is the first time in 12 games that Valley Christian has ever played Bellarmine to a tie.  The Warriors have never beaten the Bells at Soccer.

Special thanks to John Basanese who drove from Hollister to photograph the game.  Even though he had to use his backup camera, there are some great action shots (posted soon).

vcsoccer.com men of the match: Nathan Goldsmith, David Yun, Tyler Williamson, John Field (VC Defense)

John Walitsch (UA)

Ross Mark (UA)

VC Starting Lineup: Mansker, Goldsmith, Seaman, Field, Joseph, Walitsch, Yun, Garrison, C. de Leon, Kevin Tarangioli, Favre

Weather: 55 degrees, sunny, breezy.

www.vcsoccer.com