LANDON ELFSTROM raced through the American Canyon defense for two goals and an assist as Benicia High’s boys varsity soccer team won its Solano County Athletic Conference opener Wednesday night. (photo by Eric Breganza)

Landon Elfstrom scored two goals and assisted on another as Benicia High’s boys varsity soccer team beat visiting American Canyon, 3-0, in the Solano County Athletic Conference opener for both teams Wednesday night.

It was a big win for the Panthers (2-1, 1-0 SCAC), who missed the playoffs last season while American Canyon won a SCAC co-championship.

“We have to be able to defend our field and not let teams come in feeling confident, and we did that,” said Benicia head coach Javier Martinez. “Getting three points is a great start for us.”

Elfstrom helped create the first goal 14 minutes into the game. Wolves goalkeeper Renzo Stainer came way out of the box to make a play but Elfstrom knocked the ball loose right to teammate Jorge Padilla, who scored into an empty net for a 1-0 lead.

A perfect pass from Niccolo Villella led to a breakaway for Elfstrom 17 minutes into the second half and the junior juked the Stainer for his second goal of the season. Elfstrom scored again on another breakaway four minutes later to put the game away.

Benicia goalkeeper Michael O’Leary made several solid saves to help the Panthers record their second straight shutout victory.

The Panthers play a non-league game at Rodriguez on Monday night.

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