LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Top Spot Up for Grabs in High School Soccer


Acalanes Dan Glascock (8) Photo Andy Scheck

At the mid-way point of the high school soccer season, the Lamorinda boys' teams had secured the top three spots in the DFAL standings. Acalanes found their stride with five wins and one tie. Campolindo, a close second, boasts the best overall record at 11-2-1 and a 4-1-1 record in league. Miramonte captured third place for a while but slipped to fourth place in the DFAL standings after two consecutive losses. The Mats lost to Acalanes 2-0 on January 8 and then again to Campo 3-0 on January 11.

In Miramonte's first rivalry match-up, Acalanes quickly established dominance by managing ball possession. They subjected Miramonte's defense to near constant pressure.

Half way through the first half, after multiple attempts, Dons' junior midfielder Dan Glascock penetrated the Mats' defense and drilled the ball into the lower corner of the goal. Not discouraged, Miramonte continued to fiercely protect their net producing key saves to each of Acalanes' attempts. The Mats defense was led by Miramonte goalkeeper, junior Michael Akay.

With just four minutes remaining in the half, Acalanes earned a corner kick. Glascock, positioned in front of the goal, recorded his second goal of the night with an unstoppable header into the top left corner.

The second half saw play much the same as the first.

Miramonte's offense gained control at points and produced scoring opportunities. Their best chance came off a corner kick in the first ten minutes, but the Dons' defense denied the Mats the goal.

The Mats kept Acalanes from scoring again in the second half, but could not even score, losing 2-0.

Acalanes head coach Paul Curtis credited his team with playing as they had practiced. "The boys had a high work rate and executed on the game plan."

Curtis pointed to Jacob Carroll, Kevin Park, Graham Lindgren, Nick Warren and goalkeeper, Jackson Foote as playing key roles in the game. "Our defensive unit played well to earn a shutout."

Miramonte's defense also played well to hold Acalanes to just two goals, but Miramonte coach Fabian Amezaga admits they have some things to work on. "It was a good test for us," said Amezaga. "It's a good indication of the bar that's been set."

Miramonte's game against Campo on January 11 was more contentious. The play was highly physical and emotional. Tempers flared with every referee whistle, penalty kick, and yellow card. In the end, Campo outplayed Miramonte, 3-0.

Campo coach Shane Carney pointed to ball control as key to their success. "The 3-0 win was big for our team. Everyone really pitched into the team effort, and we were able to control the ball for the majority of the game as a result. When we control the ball as much as we did, it becomes nearly impossible to beat us."

Amezaga concedes that the Mats' defense was lacking against Campo. "We've had some injuries in our back line. We look forward to getting healthy and being more cohesive in the back."

Despite two consecutive rivalry losses, Amezaga said his team is doing well. "We're comfortable with where we are. We hope to have a fighting chance to be in the NCS tournament."