Carondelet dominates the 2nd half to secure 1st place

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>First place Carondelet and 2nd place California collide in season ending match</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 Carondelet Cougars came in with an overall record of 12-1-3 and an undefeated record in league play (8-0) with 1st place on the line. They are looking to match last season's 9-0 league record and go back-to-back in undefeated season matches. The California Grizzlies had a 12-3-1 overall record and were in 2nd place at 6-1-1. They are hoping to find a way to stop the sister school of De La Salle, a boys soccer juggernaut.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/2024709219191312486?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/2024709219191312486?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The first half was very competitive, as both teams had high-level scoring opportunities, which either were pingers off the post or crossbar or were stopped by top-level goalkeepers. Madeleine Gomez of the Grizzlies and Addison Bowles kept clean sheets in the first half. Both offenses applied high pressure up top and almost got multiple scores, if not for the stellar play on defense. The first half ended 0-0.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/2024713112843407845?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/2024713112843407845?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At the beginning of the second half, the Cougars made a statement that they were going to take charge of the match. They seemed to have turned on the afterburners, as their offense was in high gear and controlled possession for most of the second half. The Grizzlies defense played valiantly, but in the end the Cougars attack was just too overwhelming. The dynamic duo of [player_tooltip player_id='211239' first='Elle' last='Sloan'] and [player_tooltip player_id='199883' first='Mercy' last='Karson'] was simply awesome to see. Mercy provided the two assists, while Elle scored her two goals with dramatic fashion. Elle's first goal was scored on a put-back pass from Karson, and the second was off of a perfectly placed header to seal the deal.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/2019613638584332623?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/2019613638584332623?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Carondelet Cougars secured their back-to-back 9-0 finish in league play and made a statement as to why they will be competing in the open division. The game ended in a 2-0 Cougars win. I'm hoping to provide coverage for both teams in the playoffs as they make runs in their respective playoff divisions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/2019650848230719942?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/2019650848230719942?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Featured Players:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='211239' first='Elle' last='Sloan'] - 2026 - Carondelet - Forward/Mid - [program_tooltip program_id='283257' first='Bay' last='Area Surf'] ECNL G08 - University of Houston commit</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='199883' first='Mercy' last='Karson'] - 2028 - Carondelet - Defender - [program_tooltip program_id='278035' first='Mustang' last='SC ECNL']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='287838' first='Lola' last='Cervantes'] - 2027 - California HS - Defender/Forward - [program_tooltip program_id='283641' first='De' last='Anza Force'] ECNL - Colorado State commit</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Addison Bowles - 2026 - Carondelet - GK - [program_tooltip program_id='278035' first='Mustang' last='SC ECNL'] - Iona University commit - Two time team captain</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Madeleine Gomez - 2026 - California HS - GK - [program_tooltip program_id='283465' first='San' last='Ramon FC'] G08 NPL</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Player Evaluations:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='211239' first='Elle' last='Sloan'] - 2026 - Carondelet - Forward/Mid - [program_tooltip program_id='283257' first='Bay' last='Area Surf'] ECNL G08 - University of Houston commit</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-69980d2a70bf8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Carondelet forward was electrifying, to say the least. Her two goals were scored in heavy traffic. Her ability to stay focused and find the open spots in the penalty area was where she made the most impact. Some of Elle's strengths are in providing pressure up top and making clean and decisive runs. Her ability to find soft spots on the field allows her to play without immediate pressure. She's a smart and calculative player and showed the ability to process the flow of the game quickly while making split-second decisions on attack. Her style of play will easily transition to the college level. Top-level finishing from a top-tier player. Elle is a University of Houston commit.</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/2024739025089892447?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/2024739025089892447?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='199883' first='Mercy' last='Karson'] - 2028 - Carondelet - Defender - [program_tooltip program_id='278035' first='Mustang' last='SC ECNL']</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-69980d2a70c7b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Carondelet Mid played as a box-to-box player. Normally a DB, it was great to see her in this new role. Her strong presence on the offensive side was definitely impactful, as Mercy got the two assists while making strong and clean tackles to help keep the Grizzlies off the board. The ECNL National Selection POTM 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 7 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. Mercy recently made the U.S. U16 Girls National Team roster as they prepare for the 2027 World Cup, with games against Spain, England, and Denmark.</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/2024723089909829735?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/2024723089909829735?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='287838' first='Lola' last='Cervantes'] - 2027 - California HS - Defender/Forward - [program_tooltip program_id='283641' first='De' last='Anza Force'] ECNL - Colorado State commit</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["287838"],"_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-69980d2a70d11"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The California HS CB was active on both ends of the pitch. Her strong, over-the-top passes put her offense in scoring positions, and her defensive play kept the Cougars off the board in the first half. She made strong defensive plays and was pivotal in stopping the Cougars' attack from getting on the board in the first half. Lola's ability to push up while making counterattacks provided her offense opportunities to score. She has the technical skills to keep possession, make clean passes, or get by defenders. Utilizing her strength and physical advantage makes players reconsider attacking down the middle. Lola is definitely on pace for competing at the next level. Lola is a Colorado State commit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lola's Highlights</strong>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/2024723264048943170?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/2024723264048943170?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Addison Bowles - 2026 - Carondelet - GK - [program_tooltip program_id='278035' first='Mustang' last='SC ECNL'] - Iona University commit - Two time team captain</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":"Addison Bowles","_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":"Carondelet","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"[program_tooltip program_id='278035' first='Mustang' last='SC ECNL']","_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-699810e1b773d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">She is a two-time team captain for the Cougars. Addison has one of the most impressive goalkeeper stats I've ever seen. During her senior year she has compiled 1440 in 16 matches. Her goals against average is 0.222 with only 4 goals against. She tallied 51 saves with a 3.2 shots on goal average, which includes 9 shutouts. Her ability to make the difficult saves and position herself to cut off attacking lanes is where she makes a huge impact. The Iona University commit is poised to take her talents to the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Addison's Highlights</strong>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://youtu.be/TdEQ09gDrW0","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://youtu.be/TdEQ09gDrW0 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Madeleine Gomez - 2026 - California HS - GK - [program_tooltip program_id='283465' first='San' last='Ramon FC'] G08 NPL</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":"Madeleine Gomez","_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":"California","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"[program_tooltip program_id='283465' first='San' last='Ramon FC'] G08 NPL","_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-699810e1b7846"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The California HS GK made some spectacular saves to limit the #1 team to just 2 goals. Her big-time saves kept at least 3-4 goals off the board. Her timing and ability to read the attack kept the Cougars in check in the first half. Madeleine's quick reactions are also some of her strengths.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Madeleine's Highlights</strong>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/2024733577867645353?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/2024733577867645353?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Warmups: Carondelet</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/2019651881170329660?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/2019651881170329660?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Warmups: California HS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/2019611788174848433?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/2019611788174848433?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Carondelet  - Team Pic</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":350807,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/02/IMG_3861-2-crop-4570x3001-1771606490.jpeg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-350807" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>California HS - Team Pic</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":350788,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/02/IMG_3705.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-350788" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Pre-Game Pic - Captains</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":350792,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/02/IMG_3700.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-350792" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->