Kankakee Valley High School

The KV boys varsity soccer team started off the 2025 season on a strong note by defeating rival Rensselaer Central 7-0 in the Kougar's home opener. After taking a commanding 5-0 lead by halftime, the Kougars would add two more second half goals before lightning shortened the game with 17 minutes left in regulation. To start the game, the Kougars came out with high energy and controlled the tempo. It took a little longer than they would have liked, but at the 10 minute mark, sophomore Jorge Pena picked up his first goal of the season off a penalty kick that was awarded to KV off a handball in the box. Two minutes later senior Landon Palfi would knot his first of a game-high five goals to give the Kougars a two cushion lead. Palfi ended the half with three more goals en route to a four-goal first half for the senior captain. Each of the goals were assisted by some excellent passes from Kougar midfielders, including sophomore William Nava Contreras (who finished with three assists in the match). In the second half, the Kougars continued where they left off in the first half. Within the first five minutes, a William Nava Contreras cross found a one-timed shot in the box to fellow sophomore Creed Veach. He netted home his first goal of the season for the Kougars. To end the scoring in the half, Jorge Pena's pass found a streaking Palfi inside the penalty box who calmly placed his shot past the Bomber keeper. Unfortunately with 17 minutes left in the match, the referees decided to call the game due to lightning in the area. The Kougar defense should be commended for the shutout win, including the clean sheet for sophomore keeper Damien Vargas. He finished with four saves on the night. The Kougars were also able to play all 19 rostered players, giving many of the young freshman their first taste of varsity experience. "I'm proud of the the entire team tonight," said head KV coach Jovan Jeftich. "It's always good to beat your rival and I was glad every player was able to contribute to the team win. We did some good things tonight but we also have areas where we can improve. We'll continue to take one game at a time and look forward to the next challenge." The Kougar's next game will be on Wednesday against the Boone Grove Wolves. Kick off is set for 6 p.m. from Fred Jones Field. Game Statistics Goals Landon Palfi 5 Jorge Pena 1 Creed Veach 1 Assists William Nava Contreras 3 Cole Armstrong 1 Eli Hildebrandt 1 Jorge Pena 1 Saves Damien Vargas 4 Record 1-0