Cate boys soccer claimed sole possession of first place in the Tri-Valley League with a 5-2 rivalry win over Bishop Diego on Tuesday at Meldman Field in Carpinteria.
The Rams are now 5-1 overall and 3-0 against league opponents, while the Cardinals are 4-3- 2 with a league mark of 3-1.
“Our last match took place on December 17, nearly a month ago, and the early rust was evident during the opening 10 minutes,” Cate head coach Jorge Reynoso said. “However, the team regrouped, settled into the match, and responded with confidence and authority.
“The squad has been training hard since returning, but nothing replaces match play. With key players healthy and the group continuing to play collectively, the foundation is in place for a successful season.”
The Cardinals struck first with a quick goal in the third minute to take an early 1-0 lead.
However, the Rams bounced back as Teke Meisel scored back-to-back header goals to give his team a 2-1 lead just before the midway point of the first half.
That lead didn’t last long, as Bishop Diego stayed aggressive on the offensive end and found the back of the net again to tie things up at 2-2.
Cate stole the momentum right back with goals by Quincy Thorne and George Marin off assists from Dimash Anuarbek and Nolan Montoya, respectively, to take a 4-2 lead into halftime.
The second half was more of a defensive battle, as the Rams tightened up and shut out the Cardinals to keep them at two goals in the game.
Meanwhile, Marin scored his second goal of the match in the 54th minute to bring the game to its final score of 5-2 in favor of Cate.
The Rams will look to remain undefeated in league action when they host Dunn on Thursday at 3 p.m.
No information was provided by Bishop Diego soccer.