Bishop O’Dowd wins NCS Open Title with Golden Goal

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The undefeated Bishop O'Dowd Dragons extended their win streak by taking down one of the best teams in California, the Carondelet Cougars.</strong><br></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>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.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>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'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>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.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>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.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Warmups:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/2027866951301898384?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/2027866951301898384?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>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.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Starters:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/2027871598896943341?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/2027871598896943341?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>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.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Halftime Highlights:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/2027884075160400022?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/2027884075160400022?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>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.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Champions:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/2027905159985308126?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/2027905159985308126?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Featured Players:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Player #1: </strong>[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&nbsp;Commit</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Player #2:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='268387' first='Ana' last='Pintard'] - 2028 - Bishop O'Dowd - Defender - [program_tooltip program_id='278035' first='Mustang' last='SC ECNL']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Player #3: </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='276576' first='Sadie' last='Siedel'] - 2029&nbsp; - Bishop O'Dowd - Forward/Midfielder - [program_tooltip program_id='278035' first='Mustang' last='SC ECNL']&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Player #4: </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='268395' first='Paloma' last='John-Baptiste'] - 2028 - Bishop O'Dowd - Forward - [program_tooltip program_id='278033' first='MVLA' last='ECNL']&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Player #5:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='289538' first='Chloe' last='Keating'] - 2026 - Forward - Bishop O'Dowd - Forward - UC Davis commit</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Player #6:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='211239' first='Elle' last='Sloan'] - 2026 - Carondelet - Forward&nbsp; - [program_tooltip program_id='283257' first='Bay' last='Area Surf'] - ECNL - Houston commit</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Player #7: </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='199883' first='Mercy' last='Karson'] - 2028 - Carondelet - Mid Defender - [program_tooltip program_id='278035' first='Mustang' last='SC ECNL']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Evaluations:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='111260' first='Abby' last='Forsgren']</strong> - 2026 - Bishop O'Dowd - Forward - [program_tooltip program_id='278035' first='Mustang' last='SC ECNL'] - Memphis&nbsp;Commit</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["111260"],"_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-69a69d3b833f5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">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.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Abby's Highlights:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/2028729068359922071?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/2028729068359922071?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='268387' first='Ana' last='Pintard']</strong> - 2028 - Bishop O'Dowd - 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":["268387"],"_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-69a69d3b8345e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">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.<br>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.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ana's Highlights:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/2028697394058269131?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/2028697394058269131?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='276576' first='Sadie' last='Siedel']</strong> - 2029&nbsp; - Bishop O'Dowd - Forward/Midfielder - [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":["276576"],"_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-69a69d3b834ac"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">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.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sadie's Highlights:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/2028701270350155968?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/2028701270350155968?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='268395' first='Paloma' last='John-Baptiste']</strong> - 2028 - Bishop O'Dowd - Forward - [program_tooltip program_id='278033' first='MVLA' last='ECNL']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["268395"],"_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-69a69d3b834f4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">She added some flair when slashing through the defenses with the ball at her feet on bursts of speed.&nbsp; Paloma also had a few close shot attempts on goal. I really like her uptempo pace and the energy she brought to the match.&nbsp; She has great technical skills and a high ceiling. I can't wait to evaluate her in the upcoming ECNL season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Paloma's Highlights:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/2028684333717066033?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/2028684333717066033?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='289538' first='Chloe' last='Keating']</strong> - 2026 - Forward - Bishop O'Dowd - Forward - UC Davis commit</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["289538"],"_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":351579,"_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-69a69d3b8353b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">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.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Chloe's Highlights:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/2028675270954385474?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/2028675270954385474?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='211239' first='Elle' last='Sloan']</strong> - 2026 - Carondelet - Forward  - [program_tooltip program_id='283257' first='Bay' last='Area Surf'] - ECNL - 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-69a6a0a3c7973"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">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.</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/2028735204505035142?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/2028735204505035142?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='199883' first='Mercy' last='Karson'] </strong>- 2028 - Carondelet - Mid 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-69a6a0a3c79c0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">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.</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/2028738035429638551?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/2028738035429638551?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed -->