Girls Soccer: Bishop Amat 3, Los Altos 1

By Fred Robledo on December 16, 2010 11:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (7) |

By Fred J. Robledo
The Bishop Amat and Los Altos girls soccer teams fell a game short of meeting in last year's CIF-Southern Section Division 4 championship - both ousted in the semifinals and ruining a much-anticipated rematch after a 0-0 tie earlier that season.
And what a season it was, the soccer powers with a combined record of 52-3-2 while outscoring their opponents 207-19. Although a year late, the rematch finally came on Thursday at Los Altos in front of a better-than-expected December crowd.
Neither team has been as dominant out of the gate, particularly on the defensive end, which led to Bishop Amat's come-from-behind 3-1 victory after trailing 1-0 at half.

Bishop Amat, Los Altos photo gallery.

Above: Natalie Rivas (8) celebrates after scoring in the second half to tie the score, 1-1.

The Conquerors received their lone goal from Cal State Fullerton-bound attacker Lauren Stupin, who notched 26 goals and 15 assists last season.

Stupin took a long throw in the fifth minute, cut to free herself, then delivered a low-driving shot in the left corner for a 1-0 lead.

The Conquerors continued to dominate the first half, missing a breakaway in the 28th minute and another chance by Stupin in the 29th minute that was turned away cleanly by Amat goalkeeper Nicole Ragano.

"We had our chances," said Conquerors coach Chris Reeder after dropping to 4-2-2 on the season. "It was a game of two different halves, we dominated the first half and they dominated the second half."

Neither team created much from the run of play, partly because Los Altos' stadium field was in such bad shape, but the Lancers took advantage of opportunities in the final third.

Amat midfielder Yazmin Montoya sent a shot off the far post that Natalie Rivas cleaned up, scoring in the 48th minute to tie the score, 1-1.

Then in was reigning Tribune player of the year April Juarez's turn.

Juarez, who had 35 goals as a sophomore last year, gathered a ball from Rivas and fired the go-ahead goal for a 2-1 lead in the 57th minute.

Vanessa Bommarito put the game away, sending a long 30-yard shot that dipped under the bar in the 63rd minute to give the Lancers a two-goal cushion.

It was a good win for the Lancers (9-1) after suffering their only loss, a 6-2 setback against Ayala last week, partly because three starting defenders were out sick.

"They (Los Altos) obviously had a couple opportunities while were finding our footing on the turf and I told them at halftime it's going to come down to who wants it more," Lancers coach Ruben Gonzalez said. "Los Altos is a real good team, they're not going to give you anything, you have to earn it. I thought our girls came back in the second half and earned the win."

Lauren Stupin celebrates for Los Altos after her first-half goal gave the Conqs a 1-0 lead.

7 Comments

seotons concours said:

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December 18, 2010 7:36 AM

LA Futbol said:

Was at the game yesterday...here's my take:

Coach Reeder hit the nail right on the head. It was a tale of two halves. The Conquerors came out of the gate like gang busters and should have scored 2 or 3 in the first half alone! Give the Amat keeper credit. She made some key saves to keep the Lancers in the game. Lauren Stupin's first half goal was tremendous! A natural left footer hitting a laser with her right foot in the bottom corner of the net? NICE!

Unfortunately for the Conquerors the second half was not so kind. Whatever Coach Gonzalez told those girls at half time sure worked. Amat was a different team and LA lost some of it's fire. The LA defense broke down too many times and Amat puts offensive pressure on teams like their life depends on it! The Lancers were a pleasure to watch as they knocked the ball around the pitch second half. None of the Amat goals were as "pretty" as Stupin's in the 5th minute, but they count just the same! They were scored with tenacity and high pressure!

Freddy, as for your comment on the condition of the Los Altos field...ha! Welcome to our life buddy! We've been trying to get our district to do something for YEARS now! You realize that in our new league only LA and Diamond Ranch do not have artificial turf fields? What a disgrace! Our district officials should be ashamed of themselves!

December 17, 2010 9:07 AM

AMAT 73

said:

Prediction,
Will you be availible during World Cup . I would like for you to help me fill out my pool entry.

December 17, 2010 8:11 AM

JFR said:

FJR,

We are here in BP doing our banquet wondering if you are going to get your loved BA and CO together in week 2. I put out the challenge to Aram but he has made no contact and I even made a free meal for the guy who brokers the deal between the both of you. Burrito for Aram and golf for you.

Get back to me.

December 16, 2010 7:04 PM

go2goalLA said:

Hey Prediction, good call, can I go in halfs with you and buy some lotto tickets!!!! You called it...unfortunately LA lost 3-1. Heartbreaker...

December 16, 2010 6:22 PM

Prediction said:

My Prediction after having seen both teams play:

Amat - 3
LA - 1

December 16, 2010 1:40 PM

Janice Stupin said:

Great Fred, hoping you would be there! Get ready for a great game, for bragging rights at the least. Go LAHS, we know you could do it!!!!

December 16, 2010 12:27 PM