LAKEPORT — Ulices Valencia’s hat trick propelled Clear Lake to its first win over the Kelseyville Knights in 12 years as the Cardinals prevailed 3-1 in North Central League I boys soccer action on Thursday afternoon in Lakeport.
“It was pretty special,” Clear Lake coach Shaun Hornby said of the win against the Cardinals’ archrival. “It was a tremendous celebration.”
Valencia scored the only goal of the first half to put Clear Lake in front. Kelseyville tied it early in the second half on an unassisted goal by Dante Moreno, and it remained a 1-1 game until Valencia scored again with about 10 minutes remaining. The Cardinals added a Valencia breakaway goal in the final minutes to seal the victory.
Kelseyville coach Eduardo Ledesma praised the play of keeper J.J. Rodriguez but wasn’t nearly as enthusiastic about the officiating.
“I didn’t like the officiating at all,” Ledesma said.
Clear Lake is now 2-4 in league play and back at the .500 mark at 5-5 overall. Kelseyville is 1-3-1 in league and overall.
Both teams return to action Tuesday. Clear Lake hosts Cloverdale while Kelseyville is home against St. Helena.
