St. Ignatius holds nationally ranked St. Francis to a 0-0 draw

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>CCS Soccer - West Catholic A-Division teams collide for first place bragging rights.</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 cool 57 degrees for a 1:00 pm match, with wind gusts up to 18 mph and making the temperature feel like 48 degrees.&nbsp; The winter soccer season in Northern California is approaching the end of the first round of league competition.&nbsp; Two of the top WCAL (West Catholic Athletic League) high school teams met for a first-place showdown.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Saint Francis was ranked as high as #6 in the nation and came into this match with an undefeated 8-game win streak.&nbsp; They scored 22 goals and only conceded 3, with 5 shutouts prior to this match.&nbsp; Last season, the Lancers won the treble while winning the league title, the CCS (Central Coast Section) Division 1 crown, and the NorCal Division 1 title.&nbsp; Their epic run last year at 21-2-1 overall gave them a #1 ranking in CA and a #6 ranking in the nation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/2012628390591750554?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/2012628390591750554?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Carlos Barboza, the head coach at St. Francis, is in his 5th full season leading this top-level program, and he and his team are locking in on getting to the first-ever California state championship.&nbsp; That's right, this year the top NorCal team will play against the top SoCal team for the state's first true soccer crown.&nbsp; With the level of focus, determination, and skilled players, I believe they could make that a reality.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/2012628691595952393?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/2012628691595952393?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>St. Ignatius is coming in with an 8-2 record, and they seem to be ready to take on the #3 ranked team in California.&nbsp; Last season the Wildcats came in 3rd with a 4-5-1 league record and an overall 11-8-5 record with a #53 ranking in CA.&nbsp; They will have their hands full against an undefeated and determined Lancers team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/2015283472412348495?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/2015283472412348495?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It was highly competitive and at times highly contested as both teams pushed to get a score on the board.&nbsp; The sides fielded top-level goalkeepers, but St. Ignatius stole the show as she made stop after stop to hold the Lancers to a 0-0 draw. I know the second round will definitely be another epic showdown to determine playoff seeding and bragging rights.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/2015282551489958061?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/2015282551489958061?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Featured Players:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Player #1 - Lola Malloy </strong>- Forward&nbsp; - 2028 - St. Ignatius </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Player #2 - Norah Aldrich</strong> - Goalkeeper - 2026&nbsp; - St. Ignatius</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Player #3 - [player_tooltip player_id='19465' first='Grier' last='Gowdy']</strong> - 2027 - Defender - St. Francis</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Player #4 - Caitlin Motil </strong>- Defender - 2027 - St. Francis - California Baptist University commit</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Player #5 - [player_tooltip player_id='206664' first='Lynn' last='Byun'] </strong>- Midfielder - 2028 - St. Francis</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Player Evaluations:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Norah Aldrich </strong>- Goalkeeper - 2026&nbsp; - St. Ignatius</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":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Norah Aldrich","_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":"null","_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":"St. Ignatius","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"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-6975c0ab5aed6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">She was a key part of the Wildcats' defense.&nbsp; Norah made some critical stops throughout the match.&nbsp; Her ability to read the attack and cut off runners attempting to slip through were areas in which she stood out.&nbsp; She made multiple 1v1 saves and was fearless when stepping off her line in a crowded penalty area.&nbsp; Her stops on corner kicks also proved to be a big part of her game.&nbsp; This game could've easily gotten out of hand, but the stellar play by Aldrich held the Lancers to a 0-0 draw.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/2015294359315616107?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/2015294359315616107?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='19465' first='Grier' last='Gowdy'] </strong>- 2027 - Defender - St. Francis</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["19465"],"_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-6975c2c6a700d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">She made some big-time plays on the defensive side.&nbsp; Grier was relentless, while making strong, calculative, and clean tackles.&nbsp; Her ability in “closing down” attackers by accelerating down the channels or when timing angled runs were the areas in which she stood out the most.&nbsp; I really liked her progression, as I've previously seen her play at the ECNL level.&nbsp; She is definitely an up-and-comer to look out for.&nbsp; She helped hold the Wildcats offense to a 0-0 draw.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/2015308710109950214?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/2015308710109950214?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='206664' first='Lynn' last='Byun'] </strong>- Midfielder - 2028 - St. Francis</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["206664"],"_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-6975c2c6a7067"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">She had a solid match and helped keep the Lancers' attack in sync.&nbsp; Her ability to scan the field and find open pockets allowed her teammates to find diagonal running lanes as well as to make overlapping runs in the attacking third.&nbsp; I've previously covered her matches last season as well as in ECNL games, and she seems to be smoother with the ball at her feet, and she can make turns on a dime.&nbsp; Lynn was also a big part of the Lancers' run at a treble; she will be counted on to do the same this time around.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/2015310888467849525?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/2015310888467849525?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lola Malloy </strong>- Forward&nbsp; - 2028 - St. Ignatius </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":349013,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Lola Malloy","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"103","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"St. Ignatius","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"[program_tooltip program_id='283641' first='De' last='Anza Force']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"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-6975c2c6a70f6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">She provided high pressure up top and made the defense reconsider the sides from which to make their counterattacks.&nbsp; Lola was good at regaining possession and making quick passing combos.&nbsp; I really liked how she kept a good pace while chasing down over-the-top passes and her ability to remain calm in high-pressure situations.&nbsp; The intensity of this match and the rivalry between the two top-level teams didn't seem to faze her.&nbsp; Looking forward to evaluating her during the upcoming ECNL season and seeing her progression in her soccer journey.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/2015312872914751653?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/2015312872914751653?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Caitlin Motil </strong>- Defender - 2027 - St. Francis - California Baptist University commit</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":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Caitlin Motil","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_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":"St. Francis","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"[program_tooltip program_id='283641' first='De' last='Anza Force']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"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-6975c2c6a717f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The California Baptist University commit anchors the Lancers' defense.&nbsp; She made clean tackles and kept the Wildcats' attack in check.&nbsp; Her ability to organize the backline and distribute the ball from touchline to touchline is a sight to see.&nbsp; At times, St. Francis held possession for 45-second to one-minute spurts to cover all areas of the pitch.&nbsp; They would then look to find openings in the defense to mount their attack.&nbsp; Caitlin was also a key member of last season's epic run.&nbsp; She will also play a pivotal role in the Lancers' quest for another treble and possibly the California state championship.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/2015316304467832897?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/2015316304467832897?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed -->