CCS D1 Quarterfinals Match – Archbishop Mitty at Mountain View

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It was a nice night for a quarterfinals match in Mountain View, CA. The Archbishop Mitty Monarchs came into this playoff match as the number 7 seed, with an overall record of (11-3-6). I've covered a previous match in which they beat the Bellarmine Bell, the 21st ranked team in CA at that time. Both teams were locked in, but the Monarchs prevailed 2-1 in a very close match.&nbsp; In this match, they would have to beat the 29th team in CA, the Mountain View Spartans to get to the semifinals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The match featured top level club players from the Bay Area.&nbsp; Players represented teams from MVLA, Santa Clara Sporting, and [program_tooltip program_id='280274' first='De' last='Anza Force'].&nbsp; The standouts for this match were definitely the two towering goalkeepers.&nbsp; The game ended in regulation time with a score of (0-0), due to both goalkeepers' shot-stopping abilities.&nbsp; Spartans goalkeeper Parker Lunn, at 6'2” made some crucial saves to keep his team in the match.&nbsp; The one that sticks out the most, was a point-blank stop at the end of regulation.&nbsp; Had the shot gone in, the Monarchs would have extended their lead by 2 goals.&nbsp; Lunn came off of his line and cut off the angle of running Monarch and stopped the shot at a critical stage in the match.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Monarchs goalkeeper Lars Neunfinger, stands at 6'4” and he also made key saves to keep the Spartans from running away with this game.&nbsp; Mountain View's offense was bringing it, but they couldn't cash in on a goal, until the 4th minute of overtime number 1.&nbsp; Mitty's Isaac Castillo scored off a corner kick which was “dummied” and he one-touched it to the top left hand corner, while leaving the goalkeeper and Spartans crowd stunned.&nbsp; It was just a perfectly placed shot, which was nearly impossible to stop.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Other standouts from Mitty's side were Jonah Guardino and Akhil Chandra.&nbsp; Guardino was everywhere on the pitch.&nbsp; His ability to play on both sides can be attributed to his skills in multiple positions.&nbsp; Chandra made some really good moves to get by defenders on the wings.&nbsp; He's really good at anticipating when players stab and he makes quick moves to either get pass them or distribute the ball to other teammates.&nbsp; On the Spartans side, Niko Dekovic had a solid game.&nbsp; He made strong plays on offense and on the defensive side.&nbsp; He tracks well and can make quick and precise passes to players getting to open spots.&nbsp; Lastly, Patrick McQuirk had a great game.&nbsp; He shutdown many attempts on the wing and players trying to slip through.&nbsp; His hard challenges and calculated stabs knocked out potential scoring threats.&nbsp; He also got his team to the penalty shootout.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Just as it seemed as if Mitty punched their ticket to the semis, Mountain View's Patrick McQuirk scores off of a throw-in, which was touched by another MV player and it hopped up once before McQuirk volleyed the ball past the goalkeeper's hands in the final minute of overtime half number two.  The crowd went wild and that took us to the penalty shootout as overtime ended in a 1-1 goal score.  No one really likes to lose in a shootout, but for the winners, it is something they'll never forget.  </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mountain View went first and they got the opening PK goal by Caddell Heatley as the left-footed shooter went back across to the far post.&nbsp; Next up was Mitty's first shooter, who shot it over the crossbar.&nbsp; MV's second shooter had his shot blocked by Nuenfinger.&nbsp; Mitty's second round shooter, Emiliano Fuentes went high right as the goalkeeper anticipated a low shot on the same side.&nbsp; In round 3, Lunn tried going low and right, but Nuenfinger made his second stop.&nbsp; In the 4th round, another MV player scored and another Monarch's shooter missed, this bringing the count to 2-1 after 4 rounds.&nbsp; That led to a Cyrus Shafie attempt to advance the Spartans to the next round.&nbsp; After seeing Nuenfinger block 2 shots going to his left side, Shafie went to the opposite side and the celebrations began.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This was one of the most entertaining matches I've covered or even viewed as a player, coach, or fan.&nbsp; Both teams played their hearts out and the MV sharpshooters made the difference in this match.&nbsp; Next up for HC Cesar Sanchez is to reflect on a season which had many highs.&nbsp; His players should be proud of their accomplishments.&nbsp; As for HC Jim McGuirk, they will be competing in a semifinal match against a dominating 18-0-2 overall team, with the 33rd ranking in CA.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":280427,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Isaac Castillo","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"102","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Mitty","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Santa Clara Sporting","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67c005da9b130"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Scored off a corner kick which was “dummied” and he one-touched it to the top left hand corner, while leaving the goalkeeper and Spartans crowd stunned.&nbsp; It was just a perfectly placed shot, which was nearly impossible to stop.&nbsp;&nbsp;He didn't back down and challenged for loose ball possession. He was able to contain attackers during 1v1s and waited for support. Overall, he made good decisions when facing runners in the channels. He stood them up and cut off angled runs in the box. He also made some quality runs in the attacking third. He plays club soccer for Santa Clara Sporting.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":277990,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Jonah Guardino","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"102","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Mitty","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"[program_tooltip program_id='280274' first='De' last='Anza Force'] ECNL","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67c005da9b1ce"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">W as everywhere on the pitch.&nbsp; His ability to play on both sides can be attributed to his skills in multiple positions. Showed a high level of fitness as he was at times the only offensive option.&nbsp; The striker showed flashes of pace and agility.&nbsp; It seems that he was only a touch away from getting a solid shot on goal.&nbsp; He created space for his offense to cut through lanes and make runs to the box.&nbsp; He did well in forcing a few turnovers and regaining possession near the box.&nbsp; His constant pressing up top was one of his strengths as well as constantly moving to create passing lanes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["8401"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67c005da9b21e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Had a solid game.&nbsp; He made strong plays on offense and on the defensive side.&nbsp; He tracks well and can make quick and precise passes to players getting to open spots. Distributed the ball well and helped his offense make a push in the second half.&nbsp; He anticipated attackers running and passing lanes and pushed them out to the channels.&nbsp; On the attacking side, he made a few connecting passes to get players in scoring position.&nbsp; His one and two touch combinations made it difficult for defenders to regain possession. He and the other center mid played a tandem style which solidified their defense, while he pushed up on the offensive side.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":280792,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Patrick McQuirk","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"101","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Mountain View","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"MVLA 07B NPL","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67c005da9b2a1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Scored off of a throw-in, which was touched by another MV player and it hopped up once before he volleyed the ball past the goalkeeper's hands in the final minute of overtime half number two.&nbsp; The crowd went wild and that took us to the penalty shootout as overtime ended in a 1-1 goal score. Patrick had a really good game, both on defense and on offensive set plays.&nbsp; The center back shut down many attacking runs in the half-space and near the 18-yard box.&nbsp; He is a smart player who positions himself to cut off angled runs and he is not afraid to take on players in one on one challenges.&nbsp; He communicated well with the other CB and at times he played a sweeper role in preventing the opposing striker from taking quality shots on goal.&nbsp; His impressive play during the match was on a set piece in which he went up high to give his team the go-ahead goal.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":280793,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Parker Lunn","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'2u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"100","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Mountain View","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"MVLA ECNL","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67c005da9b323"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Made some crucial saves to keep his team in the match.&nbsp; The one that sticks out the most, was a point-blank stop at the end of regulation.&nbsp; Had the shot gone in, the Monarchs would have extended their lead by 2 goals.&nbsp; Lunn came off of his line and cut off the angle of running Monarch and stopped the shot at a critical stage in the match.&nbsp;&nbsp;He showed his range by going up high to crosses and by making critical saves down the stretch.&nbsp; He anticipated runs towards the box and played relatively high.&nbsp; His strengths are in pushing up as a defender to start counter attacks.&nbsp; Parker was also the vocal leader on defense and placed players into positions to mark attackers and close down lanes.&nbsp; One of his impressive attributes was his set kick to restart play.&nbsp; On a couple of occasions he was able to reach the opponents 30 yard marker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":280428,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Lars Neunfinger","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'4u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"100","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Mitty","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67c005da9b3a5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Made key saves to keep the Spartans from running away with this game.&nbsp; Mountain View's offense was bringing it, but they couldn't cash in on a goal, until the 4th minute of overtime number 1. He made some key shot-stopping saves. His ability to get low and make diving saves is somewhat impressive for a person his size. He stood tall in the box and made some booming punts from the back. Most of his punts hit near the 40-yard line on the opposite field. One of his most impressive plays was his punt from the back, which skipped once before another teammate flicked it past a defender. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1893499475668410686">https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1893499475668410686</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1893501952925069433">https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1893501952925069433</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1893504245028028629","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1893504245028028629 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1893523043458121899">https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1893523043458121899</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1893529016088355118">https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1893529016088355118</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1893531146018811959">https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1893531146018811959</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1893533398939103273">https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1893533398939103273</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1893555487091892294","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1893555487091892294 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1893557331759374425">https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1893557331759374425</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1892981725791179019">https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1892981725791179019</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->