The girls JV soccer team has yet to lose a game in their pre-season, with the final score of their home game on Dec. 11 ending in a 0-0 tie against the Mountain View Spartans.
The game began with a long ball from Mountain View over Carlmont’s defense. However, the Scots’ strong center defenders were able to clear it out quickly.
Two minutes in, Rachael Summers, a sophomore, took a shot which the keeper for Mountain View bobbled and lost possession of, but Carlmont’s offense wasn’t able to find the net.
Keeper Sawyer Kupbens, a sophomore at Carlmont, helped to guide her team with communication from her end of the field.
Kupbens made strong saves when the ball happened to reach her during the first half. She has not let in a single goal so far in the entire pre-season.
Center defender and midfielder Kaylee Dartnell, a freshman, played most of the game with a very strong performance along with the rest of her team.
“I think we played really well,” Dartnell said. “We improved on many of the things we have been working on during practice.”
The first half continued with many balls kicked to Jenna Reinhardt, a freshman. Reinhardt used her speed and moves to help move the ball down the sideline.
Many crosses were driven into the goal box, yet none ever made it to the back of the net.
More opportunities arose with Carlmont drawing two corners and strong attacks from defender Constance Herrero. Herrero dribbled up the field helping to create many chances to score, but still coming up short.
Carlmont coach Lindsey Moynihan encouraged her team from the sidelines, helping them to play better throughout the game.
“I think we are getting a little frantic in our attack and we just need to calm down a little bit,” Moynihan said.
At halftime, the Scots discussed what they needed to focus on for the next half. Two captains, Alexis Shohet and Alena Ruhstaller, both juniors, offered up the idea of better communication between the players.
The second half started and it was clear that the Spartans had regained some energy at halftime.
With a new keeper, some fast forwards, and better-communicating defense, the Spartans were able to challenge the Scots more than they had in the first half.
However, Carlmont had speed of their own. Forward Maya Blodgett, a freshman, showed off her speed and aggressiveness during Carlmont attacks.
“I wish I had taken more shots during the game, but I am happy with the way I played tonight,” Blodgett said.
As spoken upon during halftime, the Scots’ communication increased and passes became quicker and sharper.
Late in the second half, a player for Mountain View ran into Carlmont’s goal box and ended up colliding knees with Kupbens, resulting in a stoppage of play.
Alyssa Lang, a junior, jumped up to get ready as the team’s backup keeper. However, Lang was not needed because, after a few minutes, Kupbens shook off the pain and went back to the goal.
With both teams giving a strong performance, the end result was somewhat disappointing for players because of all the opportunities created for each team.
Sabrina Kelley, a sophomore at Carlmont, has not able to play due to a broken collarbone. She has been keeping stats for the team which include shots, tackles, or crosses for each player.
“There are definitely some improvements to be made, but I really think that because the way we are playing, we are going to do well in the regular season,” Kelley said.
Before this game, the Scots haven’t lost or tied a single game. Now, their record stands 6 wins, 0 losses, and 1 tie. Their first conference game is against Menlo Atherton on Jan. 8.
