WHITINGHAM – The Twin Valley boys’ varsity soccer team notched its first win of the season on Friday, overpowering visiting Stratton Mountain School 5-2.

“We got the better of the offensive play throughout the game,” said Twin Valley coach Ryan Holton. “We picked up defensive play and improved our defensive structure. That turned into better passing on the offensives end.”

Twin Valley controlled play throughout the game. Sophomore striker Colin Lozito did the bulk of the damage, scoring three goals and adding an assist.

Lozito’s first goal came off a long punt from freshman goalie Sam Molner just six mintues into the match.

“Colin had the defenders beat,” said Holton. “Then he beat their goalie one-on-one for the score.”

The Wildcats’ second goal came off of a set play. Defensive sweeper Beau Doucette tallied his first varsity goal when a corner kick dropped on his foot. “He powered it through the goal,” said Holton.

Stratton rallied back, scoring the next two goals to briefly tie the at two. “The two goals for Stratton came on mental mistakes on the defensive end,” said Holton.

But the Wildcats were not to be denied, as Lozito took over the game. Twenty minutes into the second half, he took a through ball from Tony Tarr and drove it home past Stratton keeper Josh Cohen. Six minutes later, senior Trey Cunningham found Lozito again, and the Wildcats doubled up on the visitors.

Lozito capped off the scoring with an assist to Dal Nesbitt, who rammed the shot home for the final score of the game.

Twin Valley and Stratton will clash again when the Wildcats travel north to Stratton Mountain School on October 15.

L&G 6, TV 0

WHITINGHAM- There’s always a bit of an edge to any game where Leland & Gray and Twin Valley square off. The neighboring schools always play competitive, intense, physical soccer. Unfortunately for Twin Valley, on Tuesday they couldn’t match the strong play of the Rebels, dropping a lopsided game by a 6-0 score.

“We were outmatched,” said Twin Valley coach Ryan Holton. “They were big, physical, and came to play. They had some big players.”

Indeed, Leland & Gray dominated play, allowing Twin Valley only two shots on goal the entire match.

“We had some defensive plays,” said Holton. “But couldn’t find our own on the offensive end.”

Chris Lasch tallied three goals, Nick Lawley two, and Tyler Scott chipped in with one score for the Rebels. Coach Chris Barton said he was pleased with the passing of this team and their ability to finish their scoring chances.

For his part, Holton was happy with the play of goalie Sam Molner, even in the lopsided loss.

What Holton wasn’t happy with the loss of two key senior leaders, Dylan Brage and Ricardo Pereira. Brage is out after having surgery for an injured wrist. “He is our most fit and physical player,” said Holton of Brage. Pereira was academically ineligible for Tuesday’s game. “Ricardo has to do some English work,” said Holton. “Hopefully he’ll have it done by Friday.”

Having those two players out meant the Wilcats played with eight sophomores and freshmen for much of the game, which was difficult against the veteran Leland & Gray squad. “We looked like a small group,” said Holton.

Holton also noted that coach Buddy Hayford should be back on the sidelines for Friday’s game with Bellows Falls. Hayford has been recovering from emergency appendectomy surgery, and is expecting to be cleared for a full return to work this week.

The Wildcats fell to 1-2 with the loss. Leland & Gray improved to 4-0 on the season.

Twin Valley hosts Bellows Falls on Friday afternoon. Game time is 4:30. On Monday the Wildcats travel to Proctor, host Green Mountain on Wednesday, the travel to Bellows Falls on Thursday.

TV JV 2, L&G JV 0

WHITINGHAM- The Twin Valley junior varsity squad exacted a little revenge over Leland & Gray on Wednesday, coming away with a 2-0 win. Oscar Smith and Keegan Reed notched the goals in the match, and Sam Molner pitched the shutout in goal. Twin Valley coach Ryan Holton complimented Reed for his strong field play and score, saying Reed buried a perfect free kick in the upper corner of the Rebels’ goal.

The Twin Valley JV’s next game is slated for October 4, when they travel to Manchester to take on Burr & Burton.