Bishop O'Dowd wins NCS Open Title with Golden Goal

The undefeated Bishop O'Dowd Dragons extended their win streak by taking down one of the best teams in California, the Carondelet Cougars.   USE THE PROMO CODE almasin30 for a discount on your first subscription   When it comes to powerhouse soccer programs, Bishop O'Dowd and Carondelet are teams on the rise. In the past, these two programs have had their share of top-level championships with multiple runs at the sectional and regional level. Yet, this matchup will be one we will remember for a long time.   The talent levels on both sides are off the chart. A bunch of Division 1 commits as well as youth national team players were on hand in this exciting and entertaining final. This was literally a bunch of ECNL top-tier players from the Mustang SC programs, with a few players representing other prominent programs such as MVLA and [program_tooltip program_id='283257' first='Bay' last='Area Surf'].   The Bishop O'Dowd Dragons came into this match as the West Alameda County—Foothill League champions (10-0) and with an overall record of 15-0. They advanced to the title match by beating Amador Valley 2-0. The Dragons are ranked no. 3 in CA and no. 24 in the nation.   The Carondelet Cougars, the 28th-ranked team in California and the 86th team in the nation, came in with an overall 15-2-3 record. They were the East Bay League champs, going 9-0 in league play. They advanced to the title match by winning against Cardinal Newman by a score of 1-0.   Warmups:   <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/2027866951301898384?s=20 </div></figure>   The first half was evenly matched as both teams had an equal share of attacks on goal. Both sides made multiple runs on goal and had quality scoring attempts. The Cougars struck first by a beautiful corner kick by [player_tooltip player_id='199883' first='Mercy' last='Karson'], which was deflected down by the goalkeeper, and [player_tooltip player_id='211239' first='Elle' last='Sloan'] buried it in the back of the net. [player_tooltip player_id='289538' first='Chloe' last='Keating'] answered the call as [player_tooltip player_id='276576' first='Sadie' last='Siedel'] stole the ball around midfield and made an awesome run towards the box, where she slipped the ball between defenders to Keating to level the score. The halftime score was 1-1.   Starters:   <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/2027871598896943341?s=20 </div></figure>   In the second half, both teams came out firing on all cylinders. The level of intensity was increased as both sides seemed to have focused on direct attacks to the center of the field. Each side tried to get the go-ahead goal, and the Cougars got their second to take the lead. At one point it seemed as if the game was going to end at 2-1, but a foul was committed around 30 yards out, and Kiana “Kiki” Lee Olson sent her long direct kick to the far post while just clearing the goalkeeper's mitts. The game was now leveled again, and it went down to the golden goal overtime.   Halftime Highlights:   <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/2027884075160400022?s=20 </div></figure>   Within a minute and a half into the OT, [player_tooltip player_id='186203' first='Katelyn' last='Wong'] drove the ball from the midfield into the attacking third and passed the ball off to [player_tooltip player_id='289538' first='Chloe' last='Keating'], who brought the ball under control before sending it far post for a Dragons victory. This was by far one of the most exciting matches I've seen this season, and I hope that these two teams can further their run in the NorCal regional championships with hopes of representing NorCal in the state championship.   Champions:   <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/2027905159985308126?s=20 </div></figure>   Featured Players:   Player #1: [player_tooltip player_id='111260' first='Abby' last='Forsgren'] - 2026 - Bishop O'Dowd - Forward - [program_tooltip program_id='278035' first='Mustang' last='SC ECNL'] - Memphis Commit   Player #2: [player_tooltip player_id='268387' first='Ana' last='Pintard'] - 2028 - Bishop O'Dowd - Defender - [program_tooltip program_id='278035' first='Mustang' last='SC ECNL']   Player #3: [player_tooltip player_id='276576' first='Sadie' last='Siedel'] - 2029  - Bishop O'Dowd - Forward/Midfielder - [program_tooltip program_id='278035' first='Mustang' last='SC ECNL']    Player #4: [player_tooltip player_id='268395' first='Paloma' last='John-Baptiste'] - 2028 - Bishop O'Dowd - Forward - [program_tooltip program_id='278033' first='MVLA' last='ECNL']    Player #5: [player_tooltip player_id='289538' first='Chloe' last='Keating'] - 2026 - Forward - Bishop O'Dowd - Forward - UC Davis commit   Player #6: [player_tooltip player_id='211239' first='Elle' last='Sloan'] - 2026 - Carondelet - Forward  - [program_tooltip program_id='283257' first='Bay' last='Area Surf'] - ECNL - Houston commit   Player #7: [player_tooltip player_id='199883' first='Mercy' last='Karson'] - 2028 - Carondelet - Mid Defender - [program_tooltip program_id='278035' first='Mustang' last='SC ECNL']   Evaluations:   [player_tooltip player_id='111260' first='Abby' last='Forsgren'] - 2026 - Bishop O'Dowd - Forward - [program_tooltip program_id='278035' first='Mustang' last='SC ECNL'] - Memphis Commit    The Memphis commit was just crowned as Co-Player of the Year by CalHi Sports. She is part of the 40/40 club with 43 goals and 40 assists for the Dragons. Being a big part in the attack, 31 of her goals came in her senior year. She leads this prolific attack, which has 92 goals in only 16 matches. Abby is also only one of two players to start in all four years. Abby's awesome season may also include additional POTY awards as well as a golden boot award.    Abby's Highlights:   <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/2028729068359922071?s=20 </div></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='268387' first='Ana' last='Pintard'] - 2028 - Bishop O'Dowd - Defender - [program_tooltip program_id='278035' first='Mustang' last='SC ECNL']    Although her main position is that of a center back, she played box-to-box and made occasional strong runs into the attacking third. Ana is great at calculating risk and rewards while leading counterattacks from the defensive line. Her ability to find soft spots in the defense allows her team to get into scoring positions and create diagonal runs to the box. Her leadership on defense is also a big part of their success. She's definitely on pace as a rankings riser.    Ana's Highlights:   <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/2028697394058269131?s=20 </div></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='276576' first='Sadie' last='Siedel'] - 2029  - Bishop O'Dowd - Forward/Midfielder - [program_tooltip program_id='278035' first='Mustang' last='SC ECNL']    The Bishop O'Dowd freshman is one of the best players in the nation for the class of 2029, and she is also a rising star on the U-16 USYNT. I was impressed with her poise and composure in this high-stakes match. She played as if she were a junior or senior, as her skill level is off the charts. Sadie got the assist on the first Dragons goal, and she got the crowd going every time she touched the ball. She's a player we will hear a lot about in USNT soccer.    Sadie's Highlights:   <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/2028701270350155968?s=20 </div></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='268395' first='Paloma' last='John-Baptiste'] - 2028 - Bishop O'Dowd - Forward - [program_tooltip program_id='278033' first='MVLA' last='ECNL']    She added some flair when slashing through the defenses with the ball at her feet on bursts of speed.  Paloma also had a few close shot attempts on goal. I really like her uptempo pace and the energy she brought to the match.  She has great technical skills and a high ceiling. I can't wait to evaluate her in the upcoming ECNL season.    Paloma's Highlights:   <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/2028684333717066033?s=20 </div></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='289538' first='Chloe' last='Keating'] - 2026 - Forward - Bishop O'Dowd - Forward - UC Davis commit    The UC Davis commit was the Player of the Match. Chloe scored Bishop O'Dowd's first match as well as the Golden Goal. Throughout the match, she remained “cool, calm, and composed.” She didn't let the high stress and magnitude of the game get to her. She delivered when it mattered the most. Chloe is also one of only two starters to start in all four years for the Dragons.    Chloe's Highlights:   <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/2028675270954385474?s=20 </div></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='211239' first='Elle' last='Sloan'] - 2026 - Carondelet - Forward  - [program_tooltip program_id='283257' first='Bay' last='Area Surf'] - ECNL - Houston commit    The Carondelet forward continued to put scores on the board. Elle scored both of the Cougars' goals, with the first being one of the best I've seen all year. Her ability to shake off defenders and make quick cutbacks allowed her to get into high-percentage shooting range. I really like how she processes the flow of the game while making split-second decisions on attack. She has top-level finishing skills that will easily transition to the college level.    Elle's Highlights:   <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/2028735204505035142?s=20 </div></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='199883' first='Mercy' last='Karson'] - 2028 - Carondelet - Mid Defender - [program_tooltip program_id='278035' first='Mustang' last='SC ECNL']    The Carondelet midfielder was locked in during corner kicks. Mercy got the assist on the Cougars' first goal with a beautiful corner kick. The GK hit the ball downwards, and Sloan was there to send it to the back of the net. Throughout the match she put up 3-4 corner kicks, which players missed by the slightest of margins. Mercy just came back from USYNT duties while training/competing in Türkiye. She is one of the top players in CA and in the nation for the class of 2028. I look forward to seeing her compete at the highest stages.    Mercy's Highlights:   <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/2028738035429638551?s=20 </div></figure>   I was fortunate to have [player_tooltip player_id='289538' first='Chloe' last='Keating'], the MVP of the match, answer some questions as she went into overtime play and some general soccer questions. It's always great to hear what players' thought processes are in these critical moments as well as share some tips on their college recruitment journey.   Questions for Chloe (Player of the Match)   1.  What was your mindset going into the Golden Goal overtime?   Going into the golden goal, I was exhausted from the heat and the game. I thought to myself that my team and I had already pushed so far and worked so hard on this game that I had to finish it with no regrets. I also knew that because it was a golden goal, I could not afford to miss any chances. So I pushed my tiredness away and kept working.   2.  How did you calm yourself down after receiving the pass in the attacking third?  Pressure Management.   After I received the pass from Sadie, and I was one-on-one with the goalie, to calm myself down I remembered that I had done this shot a million times, whether it was in practice or previous games. These moments go by so fast, there's honestly no time to think or panic, you just have to “do” because you have only a few seconds before the defenders collapse in. So I just focused on placement, and it went in.    3.  How did you feel after scoring the Golden Goal? Emotions.   It is an emotion that is unexplainable. After I scored, I honestly did not realize that the game would be over then and there, but after everyone starting rushing in and cheering any anxiety and things that were on my mind just disappeared.I love this team so much, and being able to score and advance this team to win a championship is the happiest feeling I have ever felt. I was also very relieved and felt a weight lifted off my shoulders, as this is a goal my team and I have been working towards all season.    4.  When did it hit you that your team won the NCS Open Championship?   After I scored the goal, everything kind of went quiet. Everyone was cheering, but I had not yet realized that we had just won. But once our entire team sprinted over and started jumping up and down and yelling, “WE JUST WON THE OPEN DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP”, everything came rushing back so fast, and I realized we had just won. Also two days later I walked by our trophy case and saw our NCS plaque in the window. I realized “Wow we just won a championship”.    Questions for Chloe - General soccer questions   1.  What are three of your strengths as a soccer player?   Three of my strengths as a soccer player are my tenacity, speed, and uplifting attitude. I always try my best to work hard for my team and not give up, no matter the circumstances. I try not to blame my play on the weather or other external factors, but just keep trying until it works out. I also have great endurance and speed that I use a lot when taking on players one-on-one and driving down the field. As well, I love being a captain and lifting my teammates. I always try to give positive feedback or acknowledge my teammates when they are getting into their heads.    2.  When did you and your parents decide that you would want to be a collegiate soccer player?   This has been a big question for a long time. During the freshman and sophomore years of high school, there was  a lot of talk about playing in college since recruiting season was just around the corner. I did not have much confidence in my abilities, and so it never really seemed like an option. Winter of my junior year, after coming back from injury, I had a great tournament and started to get interest from college coaches. That is when I decided that this was one of my dreams, because I finally had the confidence that I could make it to the next level, and I wanted to prove that to myself. Also, playing with a team that goes to your same high school has given me so much joy, so I hoped that in college I would get to experience that same type of team bond.    3.  What were some of the deciding factors for choosing to play at UC Davis?   There were many factors as to why I chose UC Davis. I love the very supportive coaching staff and team environment. Coach Kat Mertz emphasizes the importance of mental health which really showed to me that she has a lot of care for the wellbeing of her players. I also love all of Davis's  resources for college athletes and the new innovations to girls' soccer programs coming in the future. The campus is beautiful, closer to home, which I enjoy, and the academics are incredible. UC Davis is known for having strong STEM programs, which is something I am very interested in.    4.  What has been your most memorable soccer moment or moments at the CCS tournament or as a soccer player thus far?   Although winning the open division championship is probably one of my best memories by far, there are other moments behind the scenes that I adore with my team such as our pre game hype room sessions. With my high school team, my most memorable moment was beating Berkeley for the first time in a while. It was my first varsity debut freshman year, and I scored two goals. The game was so exciting, and celebrating with my teammates afterwards was so memorable because I felt so included by all of the older players.    5.  Is there a club, collegiate, or professional soccer player who inspires you?   I really look up to Sam Kerr from the Australian Women's National Team and Messi. I am Australian so I follow the Australian Women's national team, and Sam Kerr is a very impressive forward. I went to see her play in the 2023 Women's world cup and it was incredible. Messi is also just very inspirational. He has such impressive talent and skill, and watching him play in the 2022 Men's world cup was truly inspirational. I admire his ability to take on players and get in positions to score.    6.  Where do you see yourself or hope to be in your soccer journey in 5–6 years?   In the next 5-6 years I hope to continue playing soccer for as long as I can. That does not necessarily mean playing pro, though that could be a possibility in the future. More than after college, I hope to still play for fun with friends or even join a league. I want to travel the world and visit places, whether that is because of my playing soccer or for my studying abroad interests. I am interested in veterinary science/medicine, so there is a possibility of attending graduate school after college, and continuing to play for a club team during my studies.

The undefeated Bishop O'Dowd Dragons extended their win streak by taking down one of the best teams in California, the Carondelet Cougars.