HIGHLIGHTS: Cavalry runs rampant in 8-goal triumph vs. Valour

2019-09-02

Charlie O’Connor-Clarke, Digital Content Editor (@charliejclarke)

If anyone was concerned that Cavalry FC’s attack had run out of steam in the Fall season, they’re not anymore. The Cavs reclaimed first place in the CPL table on Labour Day as they trampled Valour FC 8-0 on Sunday to set a league record for margin of victory and goals by a road team.

Although the first ten minutes sailed by in an even fashion, Cavalry soon pulled in front as Valour’s Jose Galan downed Oliver Minatel in the box to send the visitors to the penalty spot. Nik Ledgerwood opened the floodgates by firing the spot kick into the upper right corner, and the Cavs assumed a place in the driver’s seat that they’d never relinquish.

Cavalry’s next two markers came in short order at the tail end of the first half. Jordan Brown, in the right place at the right time, picked off a poor pass by Valour keeper Mathias Janssens and fed Nico Pasquotti for a simple finish. Just three minutes later, Jose Escalante found joy on his off wing as he ran down the right of the box and played a ball across goal. Valour centre-back Adam Mitter caught the pass with his foot, but he deflected it backwards into his own net.

Valour had some attacking flashes in the second half, as Michael Petrasso caused problems with solo runs at the Cavs’ backline, but it was the away side’s day throughout. Julian Büscher’s 51st-minute goal, perhaps the prettiest of the afternoon, was a superb volley after the two sides juggled it back and forth at the top of the box.

Minatel, joining the party on Cavalry’s jubilant afternoon, added the fifth goal as he found himself unmarked by the Valour defence on a free kick. His record-breaking marker pulled his side’s margin of victory past York9 FC’s previous tally from their 6-2 win vs. HFX Wanderers FC.

As if they needed it, Cavalry added to their tally thrice more in the second half. Büscher found the net by scoring after Mathias Janssens saved his initial penalty attempt, and Minatel scored with a deft flick off a Büscher cross from the wing. Jordan Brown finished it off with the eighth goal on the edge of 90 minutes, as it trickled in at the left post.

With both clubs off next weekend, it won’t be until Wednesday, September 11th that we see Cavalry again. That’s when they’ll be on the road to take on Al Classico rivals FC Edmonton (9:00 p.m. ET, 7:00 p.m. MT, on OneSoccer). Valour is back at it the day after, when they’ll remain at home to face Hamilton-based club Forge FC (8:00 p.m. ET, 7:00 p.m. CT, on OneSoccer).

Box Score

Goals
13′ – Nik Ledgerwood (Cavalry FC)
39′ – Nico Pasquotti (Cavalry FC)
42′ – Adam Mitter (OG) (Cavalry FC)
52′ – Julian Büscher (Cavalry FC)
60′ – Oliver Minatel (Cavalry FC)
79′ – Julian Büscher (Cavalry FC)
87′ – Oliver Minatel (Cavalry FC)
88′ – Jordan Brown (Cavalry FC)

Discipline
18′ Yellow – Jordan Brown (Cavalry FC)
48′ Yellow – Jose Galan (Valour FC)
59′ Yellow – Raphael Ohin (Valour FC)
79′ Yellow – Adam Mitter (Valour FC)

Three Key Performers

Nik Ledgerwood (Cavalry FC)

The captain kicked off Cavalry’s rampage with a coolly-taken penalty, then led his team to a statement victory. Although that was his only impact on the scoresheet, Ledgerwood’s presence was a huge factor in his side’s comprehensive effort.

Julian Büscher (Cavalry FC)

The German midfielder was spectacular in attack, scoring two reflex goals and providing five key passes, including the lobbed assist on Minatel’s second goal. He led his side with 67 touches and 27 passes in the attacking half, including four good crosses.

Nico Pasquotti (Cavalry FC)

In the first half especially, Valour had a lot of trouble controlling the right side of Cavalry’s attack. At the forefront of that was Pasquotti, whose hard work helped create Ledgerwood’s penalty goal and who slotted the second marker himself. The tricky winger was all over Valour’s backline in his 76 minutes.