Nelson, Bryant Lead Los Gatos to CCS DI Title in PK Shootout

The Los Gatos Wildcats took down the previously undefeated Saint Francis Lancers and defending CCS champions in a penalty shootout 4-3.   USE THE PROMO CODE almasin30 for a discount on your first subscription   When it comes to league championships, CCS titles, and NorCal Championships, the Saint Francis Lancers checked off all the boxes. Last season they had an incredible run while winning the treble (league, CCS D1, and NorCal D1) championships. Standing in their way were the Los Gatos Wildcats.   The Wildcats came into this match as the SCVAL-De Anza League Champions (11-0-1) and with an overall record of 17-1-3. They advanced to the title match by beating Leland 8-1 and getting a shutout against Archbishop Mitty in the semis by a score of 4-0.   The Saint Francis Lancers, the 2nd-ranked team in California and the 21st team in the nation, came in with an overall 19-0-1 record. They were the WCAL champs, going 11-0-1 in league play. They advanced to the title match by winning against Carlmont by a score of 2-0 and dominating St. Ignatius in the semis by a score of 6-0.   Warmups/Introduction   <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/2027545993827520747?s=20 </div></figure>   The first half was evenly matched with both sides making runs and looking for soft points in the defense and ending the half at 0-0. Time and time, both goalkeepers on each side made quality stops and kept any goals off the board. Saint Francis started [player_tooltip player_id='111094' first='Sophia' last='Malloy'] in the first half and the second half was with [player_tooltip player_id='111087' first='Anneliese' last='Braun']. The tag team goalkeepers are also part of the team MVLA team which brought home a ECNL national championship.   Highlights - Halftime Score 0-0   <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/2027563071208931543?s=20 </div></figure>   In the second half, both teams turned up their offense, but the Wildcats had more attempts at scoring. Yet, the defensive stops by [player_tooltip player_id='111094' first='Sophia' last='Malloy'] in the second half and in OT kept Los Gatos off the board.   On the Los Gatos side, it was [player_tooltip player_id='19290' first='Cora' last='Bryant'], the Hawaii commit who played stellar throughout all parts of the the match. Lets just say that "defense wins championships" as the old saying goes, and Cora's outstanding play earned her the MVP award.   Once it got down to the penalty shootout, the crowd was eager to see which team would come out on top. Tensions were at an all-time high as [player_tooltip player_id='19290' first='Cora' last='Bryant'] made a stop in round three, thus forcing the fourth Saint Francis PK shooter to convert in order to go to the 5th round. Fortunately for the Wildcats, the shot went wide, and they were crowned as the 2026 Division 1 CCS (Central Coast Section) champions.   Congratulations to the Los Gatos Wildcats - 2026 CCS Division 1 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/2027591788052287861?s=20 </div></figure>   Featured Players:   Player #1: [player_tooltip player_id='19290' first='Cora' last='Bryant'] - 2026 - Los Gatos - Goalkeeper - [program_tooltip program_id='278033' first='MVLA' last='ECNL'] G08 - Hawaii commit   Player #2: [player_tooltip player_id='206659' first='Avery' last='Edson'] - 2027 - Los Gatos - Defender - [program_tooltip program_id='278033' first='MVLA' last='ECNL'] - Hawaii commit   Player #3: [player_tooltip player_id='82602' first='Abby' last='Nelson'] - 2027 - Los Gatos - Forward - [program_tooltip program_id='283641' first='De' last='Anza Force'] ECNL - Cal commit   Player #4: [player_tooltip player_id='175626' first='Alessandra' last='Munneke'] - 2026  - Los Gatos - Forward - [program_tooltip program_id='283641' first='De' last='Anza Force'] ECNL  - Stanford commit   Player #5: [player_tooltip player_id='111094' first='Sophia' last='Malloy'] - 2028 - Saint Francis - Goalkeeper - [program_tooltip program_id='278033' first='MVLA' last='ECNL']   Player Evaluations:   Player #1: [player_tooltip player_id='19290' first='Cora' last='Bryant'] - 2026 - Los Gatos - Goalkeeper - [program_tooltip program_id='278033' first='MVLA' last='ECNL'] G08 - Hawaii commit    The Los Gatos goalkeeper played a stellar match in regulation and in both overtime halves. Her key saves throughout the match carried her team to the penalty round. I counted at least 5 key saves on the day. Cora is great at reading angles of attack, and she can go up high to make aerial saves. She made a huge save that may have pressured the 5th shooter to try to convert, but the shot went wide, and it gave the Wildcats the Division 1 title.    Cora'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/2028352243679006757?s=20 </div></figure>   Player #2: [player_tooltip player_id='206659' first='Avery' last='Edson'] - 2027 - Los Gatos - Defender - [program_tooltip program_id='278033' first='MVLA' last='ECNL'] - Hawaii commit    Avery held the defensive line and provided the 1v1 defense against St. Francis's top forward. She played tough throughout the match and set the tempo for the Wildcats to not be intimidated by the Lancers' attack. Avery's tackles were calculative and precise. Her ability to match up against top-level competition is what separates her from the rest. The Hawaii commit will definitely add to their defensive needs. I've covered Avery in many other ECNL and previous high school matches, and she always delivers.    Avery's Highlights:   <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://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3FbaIf4_pQ </div></figure>   Player #3: [player_tooltip player_id='82602' first='Abby' last='Nelson'] - 2027 - Los Gatos - Forward - [program_tooltip program_id='283641' first='De' last='Anza Force'] ECNL - Cal commit    The Cal commit had a few close shots that just missed by inches. Her ability to score is definitely not up for debate. During this 2025-2026 season she has scored 39 goals in 21 matches and has multiple hat-tricks, including one to reach the playoffs. I previously mentioned that she could be the league-leading scorer at the end of the season, and by the looks of it, she definitely is by far. Her constant pressure up top and long-range shooting ability were the focus of the Lancers' defense. She is a very strong runner who can play at her back against the defense as well as make strong runs into the 18. Abby is ranked #9 in CA and #1 in position.    Abby's Highlights:   <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://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ny5eeokyBZg </div></figure>   Player #4: [player_tooltip player_id='175626' first='Alessandra' last='Munneke'] - 2026  - Los Gatos - Forward - [program_tooltip program_id='283641' first='De' last='Anza Force'] ECNL  - Stanford commit    The Los Gatos striker provided high pressure up top and constantly kept the Lancers' defense on edge. She took quality shots on goal, but the 2 top-level GKs made incredible saves during the 4 periods of play. Ale scored the Wildcats' 4th PK goal, which gave her 19 goals on the year. The Stanford commit is definitely ready for the next level.    Ale'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/2028363050374619312?s=20 </div></figure>   Player #5: [player_tooltip player_id='111094' first='Sophia' last='Malloy'] - 2028 - Saint Francis - Goalkeeper - [program_tooltip program_id='278033' first='MVLA' last='ECNL']    The Saint Francis goalkeeper played lights out in the first half and in both OT halves. Her key saves throughout the match carried her team to the penalty round. I counted at least 6 key saves on the day. Sophia is great at anticipating attacking lanes, and she's fearless in 1v1s. She's also good at playing the ball with her feet, and she can deliver some long-range punts. Sophia played a big part in stopping the high-powered Wildcats attack.    Sophia'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/2028358073367322918?s=20 </div></figure>   I was fortunate to have [player_tooltip player_id='19290' first='Cora' last='Bryant'], the MVP of the match, answer some questions about the Penalty Shoot-Out and some general soccer questions.   Cora's questions and responses:   1. What was your mindset going into the penalty kick shootout?   “I had a mindset of believing in myself and my team and knowing that we have practiced for this exact moment so many times, yes I was nervous but it helped knowing and believing in my team and I.”   2.  How did you calm yourself down after your team went down one goal in the PK shootout?  Pressure Management.   “I told myself that this is how the game goes and mentally prepared to make the one save needed to win for us.”   3.  How did you feel after stopping one of the PK shots? Emotions.   “I was very happy but taken over with relief because making a save first can change the entire shootout for everyone whether it's positive for us or negative for them.”   4.  When did it hit you that your team won a CCS Championship?   “It honestly still doesn't feel real but right when I saw the last shooter miss the goal, I knew we won at that moment and I've never felt better.”   5.  How did you manage to stay focused during the PK shootout?   “I just focused on my player shooting and telling myself it's not my fault if I don't make a save so it would be a little less stressful.”   General Soccer Questions and Cora's responses:   1. What are three of your strengths as a soccer player?   “I would say my first strength as a soccer player is how confident I am which really helps when I play because it lets me play to my full potential. My second strength would be how I act with my teammates, I feel that I'm encouraging and uplifting in the right moments. My third strength I would say is how calm I am when I play, especially for being in my position all the players in front of me want someone calm behind them to help the stress of the game and I feel I can be that source of calmness.”   2.  When did you and your parents decide that you would want to be a collegiate soccer player?   “Ever since I was about 6 I've wanted to play at Santa Clara University because my grandpa played football there, so when I got older I expanded the schools I wanted to go to and got more serious about wanting to play in college and now I'm committed to the University of Hawai'i at Manoa.”   3.  What were some of the deciding factors for choosing to play at the University of Hawaii?   “The biggest factor for me was the coaching staff and how they made me feel. They made me feel as if I'd be a part of a family if I came to Hawaii and I've seen nothing but that so far. The team is something I've wanted to be a part of for a while in the aspect that they're like a family and that's just what I needed. They also work hard and want to achieve the same goals as I do and that's a big factor for me going to the next level.”   4.  What has been your most memorable soccer moment or moments at the CCS tournament or as a soccer player thus far?   “My most memorable soccer moment is definitely winning against Saint Francis. Every year I watched them beat Mitty and I didn't wanna see that again and thought there needed to be a change and that's exactly what my team and I did.”   5.  Is there a club, collegiate, or professional soccer player who inspires you?   “Hope Solo inspired me growing up because I used to think she made these huge game changing saves and I wanted to be just like that.”   Wishing both teams the best of luck in the NorCal Division 1 Championship, as they both could have a rematch in the regional finals. If this happens, one of them would represent NorCal in the first-ever California State Championship on March 14. In the first round of the CIF State Girls Soccer Championships, #5 Buchanan will play at #4 St. Francis, and #6 Vacaville will play at #3 Los Gatos.

The Los Gatos Wildcats took down the previously undefeated Saint Francis Lancers and defending CCS champions in a penalty shootout 4-3.

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When it comes to league championships, CCS titles, and NorCal Championships, the Saint Francis Lancers checked off all the boxes. Last season they had an incredible run while winning the treble (league, CCS D1, and NorCal D1) championships. Standing in their way were the Los Gatos Wildcats.

The Wildcats came into this match as the SCVAL-De Anza League Champions (11-0-1) and with an overall record of 17-1-3. They advanced to the title match by beating Leland 8-1 and getting a shutout against Archbishop Mitty in the semis by a score of 4-0.

The Saint Francis Lancers, the 2nd-ranked team in California and the 21st team in the nation, came in with an overall 19-0-1 record. They were the WCAL champs, going 11-0-1 in league play. They advanced to the title match by winning against Carlmont by a score of 2-0 and dominating St. Ignatius in the semis by a score of 6-0.

Warmups/Introduction

Honored and Grateful - Second Year Covering the CCS Division 1 (Central Coast Section) Championships. First up Los Gatos vs. Saint Francis. - Top-level Girls Soccer🏆⚽️🥅 pic.twitter.com/DaDcxaUbOj
— Robert Almasin (@BayAreaSocScout) February 28, 2026

The first half was evenly matched with both sides making runs and looking for soft points in the defense and ending the half at 0-0. Time and time, both goalkeepers on each side made quality stops and kept any goals off the board. Saint Francis started Sophia Malloy Sophia Malloy GK Saint Francis | 2028 State #140 Nation CA in the first half and the second half was with Anneliese Braun Anneliese Braun 6'0" | GK Saint Francis | 2028 State #55 Nation CA . The tag team goalkeepers are also part of the team MVLA team which brought home a ECNL national championship.

Highlights - Halftime Score 0-0

Tied at the Half 0-0. Evenly contested match so far. Los Gatos vs. Saint Francis - CCS Division 1 Final 🏆⚽️🥅 pic.twitter.com/tRMdfO943n
— Robert Almasin (@BayAreaSocScout) February 28, 2026

In the second half, both teams turned up their offense, but the Wildcats had more attempts at scoring. Yet, the defensive stops by Sophia Malloy Sophia Malloy GK Saint Francis | 2028 State #140 Nation CA in the second half and in OT kept Los Gatos off the board.

On the Los Gatos side, it was Cora Bryant Cora Bryant 5'9" | GK Los Gatos | 2026 State CA , the Hawaii commit who played stellar throughout all parts of the the match. Lets just say that "defense wins championships" as the old saying goes, and Cora's outstanding play earned her the MVP award.

Once it got down to the penalty shootout, the crowd was eager to see which team would come out on top. Tensions were at an all-time high as Cora Bryant Cora Bryant 5'9" | GK Los Gatos | 2026 State CA made a stop in round three, thus forcing the fourth Saint Francis PK shooter to convert in order to go to the 5th round. Fortunately for the Wildcats, the shot went wide, and they were crowned as the 2026 Division 1 CCS (Central Coast Section) champions.

Congratulations to the Los Gatos Wildcats - 2026 CCS Division 1 Champions

Congratulations to the Los Gatos Wildcats for winning the 2026 CCS Division 1 Championship in a PK shootout. pic.twitter.com/GQDcKnQUJV
— Robert Almasin (@BayAreaSocScout) February 28, 2026

Featured Players:

Player #1: Cora Bryant Cora Bryant 5'9" | GK Los Gatos | 2026 State CA - 2026 - Los Gatos - Goalkeeper - MVLA ECNL G08 - Hawaii commit

Player #2: Avery Edson Avery Edson 5'6" | D Los Gatos | 2027 State CA - 2027 - Los Gatos - Defender - MVLA ECNL - Hawaii commit

Player #3: Abby Nelson Abby Nelson 5'6" | D/F Los Gatos | 2027 State #42 Nation CA - 2027 - Los Gatos - Forward - De Anza Force ECNL - Cal commit

Player #4: Alessandra Munneke Alessandra Munneke F State #274 Nation CA - 2026 - Los Gatos - Forward - De Anza Force ECNL - Stanford commit

Player #5: Sophia Malloy Sophia Malloy GK Saint Francis | 2028 State #140 Nation CA - 2028 - Saint Francis - Goalkeeper - MVLA ECNL

Player Evaluations:

Player #1: Cora Bryant Cora Bryant 5'9" | GK Los Gatos | 2026 State CA - 2026 - Los Gatos - Goalkeeper - MVLA ECNL G08 - Hawaii commit

Cora Bryant

CA #82

GK #10

HEIGHT 5'9"

POS GK

CLASS 2026

View Player

Cora Bryant

State: California

School: Los Gatos

The Los Gatos goalkeeper played a stellar match in regulation and in both overtime halves. Her key saves throughout the match carried her team to the penalty round. I counted at least 5 key saves on the day. Cora is great at reading angles of attack, and she can go up high to make aerial saves. She made a huge save that may have pressured the 5th shooter to try to convert, but the shot went wide, and it gave the Wildcats the Division 1 title.

Highlights

Cora's Highlights:

Player Spotlight: Cora Bryant - GK - 2026 - The Los Gatos goalkeeper played a stellar match in regulation and in both overtime halves. Her key saves throughout the match carried her team to the penalty round. I counted at least 5 key saves on the day. Cora is great at reading… pic.twitter.com/UyfYm9m5So
— Robert Almasin (@BayAreaSocScout) March 2, 2026

Player #2: Avery Edson Avery Edson 5'6" | D Los Gatos | 2027 State CA - 2027 - Los Gatos - Defender - MVLA ECNL - Hawaii commit

Avery Edson

HEIGHT 5'6"

POS D

CLASS 2027

View Player

Avery Edson

State: California

School: Los Gatos

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Is this you, Avery? Unlock your evaluation to everyone by subscribing

Highlights

Avery's Highlights:

Player #3: Abby Nelson Abby Nelson 5'6" | D/F Los Gatos | 2027 State #42 Nation CA - 2027 - Los Gatos - Forward - De Anza Force ECNL - Cal commit

Abby Nelson

CA #3

D/F #2

HEIGHT 5'6"

POS D/F

CLASS 2027

View Player

Abby Nelson

State: California

School: Los Gatos

Club: De Anza Force

The Cal commit had a few close shots that just missed by inches. Her ability to score is definitely not up for debate. During this 2025-2026 season she has scored 39 goals in 21 matches and has multiple hat-tricks, including one to reach the playoffs. I previously mentioned that she could be the league-leading scorer at the end of the season, and by the looks of it, she definitely is by far. Her constant pressure up top and long-range shooting ability were the focus of the Lancers' defense. She is a very strong runner who can play at her back against the defense as well as make strong runs into the 18. Abby is ranked #9 in CA and #1 in position.

Highlights

Abby's Highlights:

Player #4: Alessandra Munneke Alessandra Munneke F State #274 Nation CA - 2026 - Los Gatos - Forward - De Anza Force ECNL - Stanford commit

Alessandra Munneke

POS F

CLASS 2026

View Player

Alessandra Munneke

State: California

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Highlights

Ale's Highlights:

Player Spotlight: Alessandra Munneke - Forward - 2026 - The Los Gatos Striker provided high pressure up top and constantly kept the Lancers defense on edge. She took quality shots on goal, but the 2 top-level GK’s made incredible saves during the 4 periods of play. Ale scored… pic.twitter.com/s3m6aq4efQ
— Robert Almasin (@BayAreaSocScout) March 2, 2026

Player #5: Sophia Malloy Sophia Malloy GK Saint Francis | 2028 State #140 Nation CA - 2028 - Saint Francis - Goalkeeper - MVLA ECNL

Sophia Malloy

CA #33

GK #3

POS GK

CLASS 2028

View Player

Sophia Malloy

State: California

School: Saint Francis

The Saint Francis goalkeeper played lights out in the first half and in both OT halves. Her key saves throughout the match carried her team to the penalty round. I counted at least 6 key saves on the day. Sophia is great at anticipating attacking lanes, and she's fearless in 1v1s. She's also good at playing the ball with her feet, and she can deliver some long-range punts. Sophia played a big part in stopping the high-powered Wildcats attack.

Highlights

Sophia's Highlights:

Player Spotlight: Sophia Malloy - GK - 2028 - The Saint Francis goalkeeper played light out in first half and in both OT halves. Her key saves throughout the match carried her team to the penalty round. I counted at least 6 key saves on the day. Sophia is great at anticipating… pic.twitter.com/hOD6htBfJz
— Robert Almasin (@BayAreaSocScout) March 2, 2026

I was fortunate to have Cora Bryant Cora Bryant 5'9" | GK Los Gatos | 2026 State CA , the MVP of the match, answer some questions about the Penalty Shoot-Out and some general soccer questions.

Cora's questions and responses:

1. What was your mindset going into the penalty kick shootout?

“I had a mindset of believing in myself and my team and knowing that we have practiced for this exact moment so many times, yes I was nervous but it helped knowing and believing in my team and I.”

2. How did you calm yourself down after your team went down one goal in the PK shootout? Pressure Management.

“I told myself that this is how the game goes and mentally prepared to make the one save needed to win for us.”

3. How did you feel after stopping one of the PK shots? Emotions.

“I was very happy but taken over with relief because making a save first can change the entire shootout for everyone whether it's positive for us or negative for them.”

4. When did it hit you that your team won a CCS Championship?

“It honestly still doesn't feel real but right when I saw the last shooter miss the goal, I knew we won at that moment and I've never felt better.”

5. How did you manage to stay focused during the PK shootout?

“I just focused on my player shooting and telling myself it's not my fault if I don't make a save so it would be a little less stressful.”

General Soccer Questions and Cora's responses:

1. What are three of your strengths as a soccer player?

“I would say my first strength as a soccer player is how confident I am which really helps when I play because it lets me play to my full potential. My second strength would be how I act with my teammates, I feel that I'm encouraging and uplifting in the right moments. My third strength I would say is how calm I am when I play, especially for being in my position all the players in front of me want someone calm behind them to help the stress of the game and I feel I can be that source of calmness.”

2. When did you and your parents decide that you would want to be a collegiate soccer player?

“Ever since I was about 6 I've wanted to play at Santa Clara University because my grandpa played football there, so when I got older I expanded the schools I wanted to go to and got more serious about wanting to play in college and now I'm committed to the University of Hawai'i at Manoa.”

3. What were some of the deciding factors for choosing to play at the University of Hawaii?

“The biggest factor for me was the coaching staff and how they made me feel. They made me feel as if I'd be a part of a family if I came to Hawaii and I've seen nothing but that so far. The team is something I've wanted to be a part of for a while in the aspect that they're like a family and that's just what I needed. They also work hard and want to achieve the same goals as I do and that's a big factor for me going to the next level.”

4. What has been your most memorable soccer moment or moments at the CCS tournament or as a soccer player thus far?

“My most memorable soccer moment is definitely winning against Saint Francis. Every year I watched them beat Mitty and I didn't wanna see that again and thought there needed to be a change and that's exactly what my team and I did.”

5. Is there a club, collegiate, or professional soccer player who inspires you?

“Hope Solo inspired me growing up because I used to think she made these huge game changing saves and I wanted to be just like that.”

Wishing both teams the best of luck in the NorCal Division 1 Championship, as they both could have a rematch in the regional finals. If this happens, one of them would represent NorCal in the first-ever California State Championship on March 14. In the first round of the CIF State Girls Soccer Championships, #5 Buchanan will play at #4 St. Francis, and #6 Vacaville will play at #3 Los Gatos.