Carondelet tops San Ramon Valley in first-round play

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Level A-Division competition - 4-0 San Ramon Valley vs. 4-1-3 Carondelet</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>USE THE PROMO CODE almasin30 for a discount on your first subscription</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The temperature around game time was a cold 46 degrees for an evening match in Danville, CA.&nbsp; The winter soccer season recently kicked off in Northern California, and two top-level high school teams met for a first-round conference match.&nbsp; The Carondelet Cougars and the San Ramon Valley Wolves compete in the East Bay League, a top division.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Carondelet entered the match with a 4-1-3 record. Last season, the Cougars went 18-4 overall, while winning the league title with an undefeated 9-0 record in league play. They also had a nice run in the sectional tournament while making it to the final. The Wolves came in second last season during league competition at 8-1, with an overall record of 10-3. Let's just say that this matchup was going to be somewhat spectacular, and it lived up to the hype.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/2009448579996504371?s=20","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/2009448579996504371?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both teams made quality runs at each goal, but in the first half, Carondelet controlled the majority of possessions and made long 30-second-or-more continuous passing combos from touchline to touchline.&nbsp; They made it look like a passing clinic was on hand, worthy of any ECNL top-level competition.&nbsp; That's right, it resembled an ECNL match, as most of the players are from ECNL teams.&nbsp; Also, a bunch of Division 1 college commits were also on hand. The score at halftime was 0-0, mainly due to the outstanding play of San Ramon's goalkeeper [player_tooltip player_id='111231' first='Emma' last='Henzi'], who made a total of 9 saves in the match.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/2009450729963180374?s=20","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/2009450729963180374?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The second half was much closer as the Wolves seemed to make some adjustments and make counterattacks on goal and have better combo plays while sending through balls over the top. They also made improvements on defense, but eventually the Cougars got on the board with a beautiful goal by senior Ella Sloan. Her goal was nearly perfect, as it snuck past the goalkeeper with the slightest of margins at the 12-minute mark of the second half. Otherwise, this game could've likely ended in a draw, but the Carondelet defense was rock solid and limited the amount of high-percentage scoring opportunities. I must say that after covering a few other top Bay Area teams, this might be the best defensive group I've seen thus far. I will definitely get out to see another one of their matches in the second round or during the playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/2009465985989005548?s=20","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/2009465985989005548?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Featured Players:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Player #1 - [player_tooltip player_id='199883' first='Mercy' last='Karson'] - Defender - 2028 - Carondelet High School</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Player #2 - [player_tooltip player_id='211239' first='Elle' last='Sloan'] - Forward/Midfield - 2026 - Carondelet High School and Houston commit</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Player #3 - [player_tooltip player_id='147324' first='Ariel' last='Hester'] - Defender - 2027 - Carondelet High School</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Player #4 - [player_tooltip player_id='111231' first='Emma' last='Henzi'] - Goalkeeper - 2027 - San Ramon Valley High School</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Player #5 - [player_tooltip player_id='19123' first='Ashley' last='Dodson'] - Midfielder/Forward - San Ramon Valley High School</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Player #1 - [player_tooltip player_id='199883' first='Mercy' last='Karson'] - Mustang SC</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["199883"],"_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-6967472f5f269"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The ECNL National Selection POTM played box-to-box and made big plays on both ends. Great to see her push up and contribute on the attack. She also made precise passes and found players in space by timing quick “critical scans” to create an advantage in playmaking. I've evaluated Mercy in at least 6 other events (COPA Pro Pathway x 2, ECNL National Playoffs, and ECNL Competition x 3), and she always delivers. It's always a pleasure to see players make improvements at each outing, and I'm definitely looking forward to seeing her compete at the higher stages, as she has a bright soccer future ahead of her. In my opinion, she's one of the best players in the class of 2028.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mercy's Highlights</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/2011292510522364138?s=20","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/2011292510522364138?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Player #2 - [player_tooltip player_id='211239' first='Elle' last='Sloan'] - [program_tooltip program_id='283257' first='Bay' last='Area Surf']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["211239"],"_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-69674d1b7d56b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Houston commit got the only goal of the match. It was a nearly perfect goal that snuck past the goal keeper with the slightest of margins. Elle provided pressure up top and made multiple runs on goal. Her ability to find soft spots on the field allows her to play without immediate pressure. She's a smart and calculative player.&nbsp; She showed the ability to process the flow of the game quickly and make split-second decisions on attack.&nbsp; Her style of play will easily transition to the college level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Elle's Highlights</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/2011314127952863568?s=20","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/2011314127952863568?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Player #3 - [player_tooltip player_id='147324' first='Ariel' last='Hester'] - Mustang SC</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["147324"],"_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-69674d1b7d62b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The left back has some speed and moves to get by the defenders on the wing. Her ability to provide width in the attack poses a threat to the defense from the wing. She showed some speed and stamina in covering the entire flank. Ariel made a bunch of plays in the midfield, and at times, she looked to be a winger or center mid. Her clean cutbacks and strong play on defense were what really stuck out. Ariel also played internationally in Mexico and Costa Rica. She's definitely a player to look out for.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ariel's Highlights</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/2011318894062157862?s=20","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/2011318894062157862?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Player #4 - [player_tooltip player_id='111231' first='Emma' last='Henzi'] - Mustang SC</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["111231"],"_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-69674d1b7d6ca"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Cal commit made 9 saves on the day. Her shot-stopping skills were on full display. She cut off runners in 1v1s, went up high, and showed her athleticism with vertical saves. Emma also brought the “boom stick,” as her punts went the distance. Coming into this match with 4 shutouts was impressive to say the least, as they were on a 4-game winning streak as well. I've also evaluated her at the ECNL level, and in that match, she put on a goalkeepers clinic. She's definitely an underrated player. Hoping to see her rise in the rankings, as she is a certified game-changer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Emma's Highlights</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/2011302245342826795?s=20","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/2011302245342826795?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Player #5 - [player_tooltip player_id='19123' first='Ashley' last='Dodson'] - Mustang SC</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["19123"],"_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-69674f162c46f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">She was a key part of the defense, which pushed back wave after wave of Carondelet's attack. Ashley made multiple stops in the defensive third. She isn't afraid to make hard challenges and doesn't back down from 1v1's. I really like her range of play, as she made plays on both ends of the pitch. She's an “up-and-coming player” who should get a lot of looks from college scouts. I've covered her in both club and high school, and she always makes an impact on the pitch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ashley's Highlights</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/2011327955784618117?s=20","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/2011327955784618117?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Carondelet Team Picture</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":348046,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/01/IMG_0374-crop-4570x3001-1768378118.jpeg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-348046" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->