Cate boys soccer took down Bishop Diego by a score of 3-0 to open up Tri-Valley League play on Tuesday.
After some back-and-forth play for most of the first half, the Rams got on the scoreboard just before halftime when Ari Seal dribbled through the defense and found George Marin, who beat the Cardinal goalkeeper to take a 1-0 lead into the break.
Bishop Diego came out aggressive in the second half, but Cate consistently turned away attacking efforts with strong play from the back line.
In the 55th minute, a clearance by the Cardinals landed right at Cate’s Alex Gallegos, who promptly rocketed a 25-yard shot to beat an out-of-position goalkeeper for the 2-0 advantage.
After a handball was called on the Rams, Bishop Diego was awarded a penalty kick in the 60th minute with a chance to cut the lead in half.
However, Cate goalkeeper Quincy Thorne came up with the clutch save to preserve the lead.
The Rams stayed aggressive and kept the ball on the attacking half for the majority of the rest of the match, and Charlie Dorion secured the team’s final goal in the 65th minute to secure the win.
“I’m happy with the way our young men adapted to the field dimensions & conditions,” Cate coach Jorge Reynoso said. “We are still nursing some injuries and playing with a small roster but this group is skilled, gritty and is slowly coming together. I’m looking forward to having a complete & healthy roster.”
Laguna Blanca 4, Santa Clara 1
The Owls kicked off league action with a solid victory over Santa Clara.
Josh Hansen broke the scoreless tie in the 15th minute to give Laguna Blanca a 1-0 lead. From there, the Owls cruised offensively.
The following three goals were scored by Inak Philips, Mason Berg and Nicola.
Laguna Blanca will take on Thacher on Thursday.
Carpinteria 1, Channel Islands 0
The Warriors came away with a low-scoring victory over Channel Islands to open league play.
The lone score came in the 47th minute when Carpinteria’s Evelyn Lara weaved through Channel Island defenders and crossed in a shot that beat the goalkeeper to the back post.
Carpinteria had a few other chances to score as both Luna Galvana and Charlotte Stoops hit the crossbar and side post, but neither could finish them off.
With just two minutes to play, Channel Islands was awarded a free kick ust outside the 18-yard box. On the shot attempt, Carpinteria goalkeeper Natalie Gonzalez dove to save the shot and recovered to save the rebound as well to preserve the lead.
“I was proud of the new young additions to varsity as they were able to elevate themselves for this big game,” Warriors coach Freddy Martinez said. “We hope to carry this momentum into our next league game.”
That next league match for Carpinteria (4-0, 1-0) will come on Wednesday against Malibu.