 | | | Morgan Rogers | | | | | | With only three league games remaining in the DFAL girls' soccer season, two of the Lamorinda teams are vying for the title. Campolindo at 7-1-1 (12-2-4 overall) and Miramonte at 6-2-2 (10-2-1 overall) will face off for the DFAL title on Feb. 13. Across town, Acalanes at 4-7-3 overall is looking for a statement win to complete a rebuilding season.
Campolindo hosted rival Acalanes Feb. 5 in an electrifying contest. Campolindo, who has not been defeated at home this season, looked to keep this streak alive against the motivated Dons. The Dons put up a tough fight and forced a 1-1 tie.
Wednesday night proved to be cold, wet, and dismal, as rain continuously pounded. The game started with Campo forcefully pressing the ball on defense. Acalanes returned the defensive intensity despite slippery conditions on the field. Dons' goalie Kyle McQuain had numerous stellar saves throughout the first half, which provided her team with a cushion on their half of the pitch. Campo, who shot the ball well, could not seem to find the back of the net. The competitive first half, dominated by defensive efforts on both sides, remained scoreless at halftime.
As the second half started, rain still drowned the field. Determined to utilize offensive opportunities and openings, both teams seemed to slow the tempo of the game and look towards individual sets for potential strikes. Despite the momentum shifting back-and-forth between squads, the game remained 0-0 at the 55th minute. Incredible saves by both goalies left fans holding their breaths at every possession.
With time running down, Campolindo struck first in the 62nd minute when senior midfielder Emily Orwig finessed the ball just over McQuain's fingers from 25-yards out. However, Acalanes did not lose hope. Junior Blake Balfrey received a pass from sophomore Regan McQuain and scored on Campo goalie Haleigh Goett just five minutes later. Following the back-to-back goals, many other shots on goal barely missed the net. Ensuing attacks by Acalanes freshman Morgan Rogers and Campolindo senior Lindsay Wilson whizzed just over the goal around the 75th minute. The game ended at 1-1.
Despite the draw, Campolindo head coach Ernesto Silva is looking ahead toward his next few games. "We will continue working on our possession game and on improving our movement off the ball," he said. In addition, he commended the Dons, who Acalanes head coach Evan Sassano described as "an enthusiastic and committed team."
Meanwhile, Miramonte head coach Mohamed Mohamed is looking forward to the match against Campolindo. "Both teams are playing good soccer," he said. Mohamed added that his "terrific class of seniors are making the team feel comfortable and experienced." The match will be held at Campolindo at 6:15 p.m. tomorrow.
Miramonte Girls' Soccer Big Win
Submitted by Debbie McKeen
The Miramonte Matodors' varsity soccer team is leading the DFAL followed by Campolindo with one week of regular season play remaining.
Miramonte (11-2-1) defeated Dublin 6-0 on Feb. 7. Megan Reid scored four goals with three assists from Samantha Devecchi. Devecchi also scored with an assist from Emma Nushi.
The Mats celebrated senior night on Feb. 11 against Acalanes at Miramonte.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA