Carlmont’s JV boys soccer team has been solid all season. They have yet to lose and have triumphed over all the best teams in their league, so it wasn’t surprising when Carlmont left the field victorious in a 2-0 bout with the San Mateo Bearcats.
What was unexpected was how intense this game was. It wasn’t an overwhelming blowout with muted cheers from the opponents, and relaxed Carlmont fans splain out on the bleachers. This game was still a battle that kept all viewers on the edge of their seats. The Bearcats put up a valiant effort and many times it looked like they might strike back.
“We scored early, which was nice, but it still got a little weird,” said Ryan Freeman, head coach of the Scots. “These are one of those games where everyone’s having an off day.”
After ten minutes of back and forth play, Carlmont scored early, going up one nothing. But for the next 57 minutes, almost one hour of play, no one scored. Both teams played with intensity, and neither was willing to give up a goal. The defensive lines remained solid, stopping the other team from gaining a clear advantage.
“We have a really good backline,” said Camron Dennler, Carlmont’s goalkeeper coach. “They tend to be very solid and communicate well with each other.”
The minutes stretched by as the ball whizzed around the field, and the scoreboard remained frozen. A game of stamina ensued as both teams tried to outlast the other while withstanding chilling winds. With no interruptions besides the halftime break, Carlmont was in for the long haul.
As the game went on, it was evident the Scots were fatigued. They pushed themselves past comfort, yet their unrelenting pressure finally won out. With just three minutes left, freshman Alessandro Banuelos, a defensive mid-fielder, sealed the game as he scored Carlmonts second goal that night. This goal was his first of the 2022 season, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.
“It just felt good,” Banuelos said. “It’s been a long time since I scored since I play mostly defense.”
Although Carlmont’s victory was well fought, the win was ugly. The Scots found a way to maintain their dominance during what was almost a trap game. However, there are some areas for improvement they must touch up while heading into the end of the season.
“I feel like we were missing some key points like pressure and communication, many things we usually do right,” Banuelos said.
Carlmont was banged up coming into this game. Previously they had faced some powerful opponents and played all out. They were caught on an off day while exhausted. However, this game also speaks to their strength to win during their weakest.
“We’re just really beat up and tired during this week,” said Austyn Lee Meintzer, a right-wing. “A lot of people are injured right now and on the bench.”
With the season title just inches away, Carlmont has something to strive towards for their last few games. If this victory was any indicator of their resilience, the Scots have proven to be able to get the job done.
“I think a big reason why we haven’t lost the game yet is because even when we’re on an off day, we’re still gonna find a way to win,” Freeman said. “This team does know to grind [till the end].”
