Penalty Shootout win sends Archbishop Mitty to the Semifinals

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mitty goalkeeper [player_tooltip player_id='199880' first='Layla' last='Tucakovic'] makes a huge save to level the PK score, and her intimidating presence may have gotten them to the next round.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It was a match that could have been decided with one goal in regulation and overtime play. Yet, both teams relied on their goalkeepers to keep them in the match. You could feel the energy in the match as Mitty had a few shots missed by the closest of margins. [player_tooltip player_id='199880' first='Layla' last='Tucakovic'], the Monarchs' highly rated goalkeeper with calls to the USWYNT as a U-16 and U-15 player, stayed poised throughout the PK shootout and got the win as the last Eagles shooter sent the ball over the crossbar. Mitty moved on to the next round in a 4-3 penalty kick shootout over the Eagles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Mitty Monarchs came in with a 14-3-1 overall record, while going 9-2-1 in league play for a second-place finish. The Los Altos Eagles had a 12-7 overall record and finished in 3rd place in their respective A-Division league as they went 7-5 in league play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Archbishop Mitty Warmups:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/2025312407070146626?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/2025312407070146626?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mitty will play #2 ranked Los Gatos (15-1-3) in the first semifinal match, while #1 ranked Saint Francis (18-0-1), which is ranked #36 in California, matches up against #4 St. Ignatius (12-3-4). St. Ignatius was the only team to add a blemish on the Lancers, as they gave them their only tie in the season, with no losses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Los Altos Warmups:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/2025314154928898457?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/2025314154928898457?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both semifinal matches will feature top-level teams with players with experience on youth national teams and top-tiered ECNL programs. It's going to be a battle at both semis, and I know whichever teams come out on top will definitely be in contention for the upcoming inaugural state championship cup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Featured Players:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='199880' first='Layla' last='Tucakovic'] - 2027 - Archbishop Mitty - Goalkeeper - [program_tooltip program_id='283257' first='Bay' last='Area Surf'] ECNL - USC commit</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='111177' first='Zuri' last='Brandt'] - 2027 - Archbishop Mitty - Forward - [program_tooltip program_id='283641' first='De' last='Anza Force'] ECNL - Washington commit</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='347921' first='Avery' last='Richter'] - 2029 - Archbishop Mitty - Defender - [program_tooltip program_id='283641' first='De' last='Anza Force'] ECNL</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='111243' first='Parisa' last='Abedi'] - 2026 - Los Altos HS - Forward - [program_tooltip program_id='283257' first='Bay' last='Area Surf'] ECNL - Hawaii commit</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Zoe Minhas - 2027 - Los Altos HS - GK&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Player #1:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='199880' first='Layla' last='Tucakovic'] - 2027 - Archbishop Mitty - Goalkeeper - [program_tooltip program_id='283257' first='Bay' last='Area Surf'] ECNL - USC commit</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["199880"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":351071,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-699d2eb54d94f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Archbishop Mitty GK stood tall and made key saves in the match. Yet the biggest save was stopping the third PK shooter to even the match with both sides missing one. Layla was dialed in as her team took the lead 4-3, with the Los Altos last kicker needing to score to even it at 4-4. Not sure if her intimidating posture played a big part in it, but the last shooter sent the ball over the top to send Mitty to the semifinals. The USC commit was the Player of the Match. She's one of the best goalkeepers in the California Class of 2027. It would be awesome to see her compete again with the Red, White, and Blue.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Layla's Highlights:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/2026132633697362337?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/2026132633697362337?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Player #2: </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='111177' first='Zuri' last='Brandt'] - 2027 - Archbishop Mitty - Forward - [program_tooltip program_id='283641' first='De' last='Anza Force'] ECNL - Washington commit</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["111177"],"_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-699d2eb54d9ba"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Archbishop Mitty's Mid/Forward led all shots on goal. Somehow, a few saves by the Eagles GK and a few just missing by the slightest of margins kept Mitty off the board. Her strong runs on the wing and through the center of the pitch were a sight to see. The Washington commit played a great match while applying strong pressure in the attacking third and keeping defenders on their toes. I can't wait to see her in ECNL action or see how far she and her team can go in the CCS and NorCal tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Zuri's Highlights:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/2026134763027996673?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/2026134763027996673?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Player #3:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='347921' first='Avery' last='Richter'] - 2029 - Archbishop Mitty - Defender - [program_tooltip program_id='283641' first='De' last='Anza Force'] ECNL</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["347921"],"_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-699d2eb54da06"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Mitty CB was dominant on the backline. She made long ball passes over the top with ease and closed down attackers in the channels and in overlapping runs. From a distance she reminded me of a former Monarch defender with great size and durability. Avery can also make precise passes after making clean tackles in the defensive third. Her ability to read the offense is one of the reasons they can go deep into the playoffs. I really like her size and mobility and the great part is that she is just scratching the surface at this high level competition as a freshman starter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Player #4</strong>: [player_tooltip player_id='111243' first='Parisa' last='Abedi'] - 2026 - Los Altos HS - Forward - [program_tooltip program_id='283257' first='Bay' last='Area Surf'] ECNL - Hawaii commit</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["111243"],"_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-699d2eb54da48"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Los Altos Forward showed moments of flash and flair. Her dribbling skills are something to see, and the power generated from long-distance shots is quite amazing. I've covered Parisa in both ECNL and high school matches. Her consistency at both levels will help her to transition to Division 1 soccer. The Hawaii commit led the Eagles' attack and had a few shots just miss by inches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Parisa's Highlights:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/2026148695935455447?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/2026148695935455447?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Player #5: </strong>Zoe Minhas - 2027 - Los Altos HS - GK</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":"Zoe Minhas","_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":"100","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Los Altos","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"Bay Sharks","_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-699d3100c7386"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Los Altos Eagles goalkeeper played a stellar match in regulation and in overtime. Her key saves throughout the match carried her team to the penalty round. I counted at least 4 key saves in the day. Zoe is good at reading angles of attack, and she's not afraid to step into lanes and go up high. She's definitely a big part of the defensive end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Zoe's Highlights:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/2026151356420247948?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/2026151356420247948?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Questions for Layla - PK Shootout (Player of the Match)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1. What was your mindset going into the penalty kick shootout?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Layla - "Honestly, I was nervous I think anyone who says they're not is lying. But it was the kind of nervous that feels exciting. As a goalkeeper, PKs are kind of your moment. I just kept telling myself, “This is why you train.” I reminded myself I can handle big moments. I tried to turn the pressure into motivation."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2. How did you calm yourself down after your team went down one goal in the PK shootout?&nbsp; Pressure Management.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Layla - "When we went down one, I just took a deep breath and stepped back for a second. I told myself it's not over, not even close. I made eye contact with my teammates and tried to give them confidence, even if I was feeling it inside. I focused on the next kick instead of the scoreboard."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3. How did you feel after stopping one of the PK shots? Emotions.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Layla - "It was such a crazy feeling. I don't even remember thinking, I just reacted. When I realized I saved it, I felt this huge adrenaline rush. I wanted to scream, but I also knew we still had more kicks to take. Inside though, I was like, “Okay, we're back in this.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4. When did it hit you that your team was moving on to the next round?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Layla - "When I saw my teammates sprinting toward me, that's when it hit. It was just pure joy. Winning like that in CCS quarterfinals, especially against Los Altos, made it even sweeter. Those are the moments you dream about."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5. How did you manage to stay focused during the PK shootout?&nbsp; Strategies</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Layla - "I have a little routine. I take a breath, bounce on my toes, and really lock in on the shooter — their hips, their plant foot, everything. I try to block out the crowd and even my own thoughts. It becomes just me and the ball. Breaking it down into one kick at a time helped so much."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Questions for Layla - General soccer questions</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1. What are three of your strengths as a soccer player?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Layla - "I'd say my biggest strength is staying composed in high-pressure moments. I also think I communicate really well, I'm always talking and organizing. And definitely my shot-stopping. I take a lot of pride in making big saves when my team needs it most."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2. When did you and your parents decide that you would want to be a collegiate soccer player?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Layla - "I think it became real for me around middle school. I just fell in love with competing and pushing myself. My dad never pressured me he just supported whatever I wanted. Once I realized playing in college was possible, we started taking it more seriously and working toward that goal together."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3. What were some of the deciding factors for choosing to play at USC?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Layla - "Choosing USC felt natural. The coaches believed in me, and I could see myself growing there. The culture is competitive but supportive, and that really stood out. Being part of the USC Trojans women's soccer means playing at a high level every single day, and that's exactly what I want. Plus, the campus and energy just felt like home."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4. What has been your most memorable soccer moment or moments at the state tournament or as a soccer player thus far?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Layla - "Winning in PKs in the CCS quarter finals this year and NorCal semi finals last year is definitely at the top. But honestly, it's not just the save it's celebrating with my teammates after. Those moments where everyone is just screaming and hugging each other… that's what makes it unforgettable."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5. Is there a club, collegiate, or professional soccer player who inspires you?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Layla - "I really look up to Alyssa Naeher. She's so calm in the biggest moments, especially in penalty shootouts. Watching her makes me want to carry myself the same way, steady and confident no matter what."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>6. Where do you see yourself or hope to be in your soccer journey in 5–6 years?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Layla - "In 5–6 years, I hope I've made a real impact at USC and grown a ton as both a player and a person. I want to compete at the highest level possible and see how far I can take this. I know nothing is guaranteed, but I just want to keep chasing it and enjoying every step of the journey."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Player of the Match: [player_tooltip player_id='199880' first='Layla' last='Tucakovic']h (GK) - Archbishop Mitty</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/2025438701644644571?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/2025438701644644571?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->