The Carlmont Scots freshman girls soccer team was defeated in a 2-0 shutout loss against the Menlo-Atherton Bears during their second matchup of the season on Tuesday, Jan. 14.
Having just played each other the week prior, ending in a 1-1 draw, both teams were looking for a win in this game. Starting off strong, the Scots immediately began to pressure the Bears defenders, forcing mistakes. With good passes and quick link-up play, the Scots were able to be an attacking threat to the Bears.
“As a team, I think we worked together well, and our passing was good,” said Scots attacker Gabby Broadbear.
Playing a high line and overloading attacking players, the Scots were able to consistently get the ball into dangerous areas but were unable to convert their opportunities into shots or goals.
“I think the goals we conceded were unfortunate, but we definitely still have to work on our shots on goal. Aside from that I think our passing was good, and we were good at finding space, which was also something we were working on at practice,” said Scots head coach Allegra Ferme.
Although playing in such an advanced position led to multiple attacking chances, the downside of the Scots playing with such a high line was that once the Bears settled into the game and were able to play through the press, they were easily able to counter-attack, often finding themselves in situations where they outnumbered the Scots defenders.
“When the girls realized they were playing such a high line and we could easily play in behind, I think they really took advantage of that. Once we figured we could get in behind, we just continued to do it,” said Bears coach Oscar Rodriguez.
Late in the first half, the Bears broke through, as a Bears defender sent a long ball over the top of the Scots defenders. The Bears attackers charged forward toward goal, but the Scots defenders were able to catch up and force a poor shot, which keeper Kaylie Gallagher was able to deflect out wide for a corner. Bears player Olivia Roberts lined up to take the corner, and with a deflection from Gallagher, Roberts scored directly from the corner for the Bears’ first goal of the match.
“Olvia is one of those girls who stays 20, 30 minutes after practice and works on corner kicks, so I’m glad her hard work paid off,” Rodriguez said.
The Bears continued to attack relentlessly for the rest of the game, while the Scots were unable to create any meaningful attacking chances. Continuing to take advantage of the space behind the Scots’ backline, the Bears would launch balls forward with three or four attackers running after it.
Midway through the second half, a Bears attacker was able to break free from her marker and was through on goal with no defenders in sight. Calmly slotting the ball into the back of the net, the Bears scored their second goal and secured the match.
Only halfway through the season, the Scots still have room to grow as they look to improve each game.
“Overall, I think we played well, but it was definitely a disappointing result and we still have things to work on,” Ferme said.
