CHAGRIN FALLS–Chagrin Falls opened up its conference schedule with a 3-1 win over visiting crosstown rival West Geauga on Tuesday.
With the win in a weather-shortened game, the Tigers improved to 3-0 on the season.
“The players were excited for tonight,” said Chagrin Falls head coach Brian McKenna. “It wasn’t only the first conference game, but it was also against West Geauga. We have a friendly rivalry (with them). Last year, we took one on the chin losing 1-0 at their place, and when we returned home, we were greeted by one of their players ringing our victory bell. So, the guys have been waiting a year to play them again. We’ve worked hard in the offseason for this year, and it’s been nice to string along the victories. The seniors, in particular the three captains, really wanted this victory. I applaud them for their effort and preparation for it.”
The year-long wait was well worth it, as the Tigers drew first blood with a Colin Struk-Marn goal in the 13th minute.
West Geauga delivered an equalizer in the 38th minute thanks to Quin Mancino’s header off a Frankie Sassano assist on a corner kick.
“I do want to give credit for that set piece,” McKenna said. “They executed it well, and we did not communicate within our players of who was guarding whom, so I give credit for a nice goal by them, and hopefully, we learn from giving up that goal and will be stronger in future games on those set pieces.”
With the score tied at 1-1 with just a few minutes gone in the second half, Chagrin Falls broke the tie thanks to a perfect lead pass from Ben Ettinger to Oscar DiFranco, who scored the go-ahead goal in the 43rd minute.
“That second goal was a display of true hustle by sophomore Ben Ettinger,” McKenna said. “He got it up to senior captain Oscar DiFranco, who hustled through it and was able to put it in the back post.”
After taking the lead three minutes into the second half, the Tigers added an insurance goal from Owen Edwards in the 52nd minute.
“The insurance goal was a terrific display of footwork,” McKenna said of his junior midfielder. “It was a tremendous shot from distance. I was very pleased with both (second-half) goals, and I’m happy to see that the team is very unselfish. They were thrilled with whoever can put the ball in the back of the net.”
With 25 minutes remaining, the game was called due to inclement weather.
The Tigers now can turn their attention to Aurora, who they’ll play on Saturday.
“They are always a strong opponent,” McKenna said of the Greenmen. “After the struggles of last season, we know to enjoy having a victory, but we also take each game by itself. We will be back practicing tomorrow and focusing on Aurora. After that, we have another string of challenging games inside and outside the conference.”
West Geauga dropped to 1-2 and will visit Streetsboro on Thursday.
