The Carlmont Scots beat the Christopher Cougars 2-0 in a preseason tournament game on Dec. 6 at Lynbrook High School in a high-intensity matchup.
The Scots wasted no time taking control of the scoreboard, finding the net within the first four minutes to steal a 1-0 lead.
According to Christopher’s head coach, Albert Marques, his team had to adapt quickly, given their limited familiarity with the opponent.
“We didn’t have a plan because we didn’t know the other team, and it was just a good team that got a quick goal on us early, and then we made some adjustments,” Marques said.
After the early breakthrough, the match became even more fast-paced, with both teams pressing and challenging each other through the midfield as Carlmont worked to protect the lead and Christopher fought for the equalizer.
Carlmont’s head coach, Jillian Quan, said controlling the ball was a key factor, especially given the limited number of substitutions.
“Today, I thought we did very well keeping good possession, especially knowing we don’t have that many subs, so being efficient with our energy and our ball play. And I think our attack worked really well. We’re closing down quickly together as a unit and as a team,” Quan said.
Christopher’s response built as the match moved into the second half.
Marquez said the Cougars settled in after the early goal and started playing more cohesively.
“Second half, I thought we played well, but we just couldn’t score,” Marquez said.
Christopher senior center back Kyla Velasco pointed to the team’s focus when momentum turned against them early.
“I think just communicating as a team, being stronger, after we got scored on, not giving up,” Velasco said.
For Carlmont, the defensive work and pressure up the field helped keep Christopher from building consistent chances.
Scots Captain, Niyati Hazari, pointed to the team’s high pressure as an aspect that made a difference in winning the ball back quickly and moving forward.
“I think we did really well connecting and just having a high pressure on the other team. We were able to win balls super fast and connect with each other to move up the field,” Hazari said.
As the match approached its final stretch, Christopher pushed for the tying goal, and Carlmont’s lead stayed slim enough to keep the pressure high on both sides. Then, in the final 12 minutes of the second half, Carlmont scored again on a breakaway to make it 2-0, with both goals coming from Scots player Eva Awoyinka.
Awoyinka said the late finish mattered because it was executed during a stretch when the Cougars were controlling most of the play.
“I like the second goal because it kind of went against the run of play. They were dominating a little more for a bit. But I guess the second goal kind of like turned the tide and just solidified the win for us,” Awoyinka said.
Carlmont is using the tournament to build toward its usual postseason target. Christopher is chasing the same benchmark.
“Every season, it’s always going to be pushing for a CCS berth and everything. This season, aiming for league in at least the upper half,” Quan said.
