UPDATE: In a decisive West Catholic Athletic League (WCAL) clash, top-ranked St. Francis defeated St. Ignatius 2-0 on Wednesday night, solidifying their grip on the league title. This victory comes just ahead of the playoffs, marking a pivotal moment for both teams.
The Lancers showcased their dominance early, scoring two goals within the first eleven minutes of the match at Mountain View. Both goals came from standout players Maya Meltz and Mireille Del Santo, who capitalized on critical opportunities to set the tone for the game.
The opening goal arrived just nine minutes in when Kendall Koury delivered a precise cross into the box, allowing Meltz to volley the ball home. Moments later, St. Francis doubled their lead off a corner kick, with Del Santo deftly navigating through a crowded area to score again.
“The girls were super focused,” said St. Francis coach Carlos Barboza. “They executed and put the game away fairly early.”
St. Francis’ defense, known for its resilience, allowed just one shot on goal throughout the match, demonstrating their strategy of tight marking and effective possession play. This victory improves their record to 15-0-1 overall and 9-0-1 in league play, virtually securing their fifth consecutive WCAL title.
Previously, the Lancers faced a tough challenge from St. Ignatius earlier in the season, when the teams played to a 0-0 tie on January 17, 2023. Coach Daire O’Connor acknowledged the formidable challenge presented by St. Francis, stating, “We knew St. Francis was going to come out really strong.” Despite their efforts, St. Ignatius struggled to regain momentum after falling behind.
With only two games remaining in the regular season, both teams are now setting their sights on the upcoming Central Coast Section playoffs. St. Francis is positioned to secure the No. 1 seed in the Division I bracket, while St. Ignatius aims for a solid mid-tier seed.
Barboza outlined his team’s goals, emphasizing the importance of maintaining their winning streak and entering the playoffs in top form. “Closing out WCAL with as many wins as possible is crucial for us,” he said. “Our goal is to go into the playoffs healthy and ready to compete.”
Meanwhile, St. Ignatius is focusing on building team chemistry and resilience, which they believe will aid their playoff run. O’Connor expressed confidence in his team’s spirit, saying, “They’re very connected with each other on and off the field, which I think will help us go deep in the playoffs.”
As the playoffs approach, the stakes are high for both teams, with fans eagerly anticipating their next matchups. Stay tuned for further updates as the playoffs unfold and the intensity of the league heightens.
