When Tam High School’s women’s soccer team traveled to Los Angeles to face Branson on Friday, scoring opportunities weren’t always on the cards.
The two teams have conceded just one goal in five MCAL games, but Branson has yet to concede a goal in nine games this season.
“Both teams weren’t giving us space, especially in the last third,” said Branson manager Tyler Gottschalk. “They did a great job closing the space. We have to be ready,” he said.
“Shay found that half-yard space, made a turn inside the 18-yard box, and shot into the opposite corner of the net for a 1–0 win and a solo push for the Bulls to first place.
“We had a couple of half yards in the first half, but (Tam) scored so quickly that we didn’t get a shot,” said Gottschalk. “Thanks to Ally. Half on her turn, just a little touch and she reacted quickly and put me in great position.”
Branson (9-0-1, 5-0-1 MCAL) has 16 points in six games this season and is three points off the field. Tam (5-1-1, 4-1-1) puts him in second place with his 13 points, while Redwood puts him in third place with his 11 points.
Hsieh’s defining moment came in the 51st minute when he received the ball from Riley Pearson inside Tam’s 18-yard box.
“I think I was a little lucky because I just turned around and saw the goal and I scored,” said Shay.
In a small Branson field that often neutralizes speed as a weapon, Shaye was able to use her quickness to beat defenders into dangerous space and eventually score the only goal of the game.
“Your quickness is emphasized and heightened the more intelligent you are,” said Gottschalk. “The faster you can time it into the right space, the faster you can run. Obviously when it comes to the speed factor of play, part of it is your technique and the speed of your thoughts and the speed of your body.
“So all of this combined, she had some important moments for us. She’s a good player and she scored a great goal today, so she needs more important moments to move forward. It will be.”
There weren’t many moments beyond Hsieh’s goal that either team seemed to have scored. Branson scored several others, including a long-range shot from Whitney Collett in the first half that hit the crossbar and a free-kick from about 35 yards from Collett in the final minutes that passed just over the bar. The opportunity came close to scoring.
Tam’s best moments came in the 21st minute when Addie Covey crossed into the box, forcing Branson goalkeeper Patricia De Palma to play, and in the second half, Mullen Jones sent a left from outside the box 18 yards. It was a shot that flew big. .
“Given the schedule, I think the top team is going to win. It will always be difficult.
When the final whistle blew, the back line of DePalma and Branson knew they had kept their 10th straight clean sheet to start the season.
Branson center back Caitlin Capitro said, “The back line really fits together.” All five of us, including goalkeeper Patricia, have known each other for a very long time and just started playing together this year. We just started, but that chemistry supports us throughout the game and supports an organization that allows us to talk through the game.It really helps.”
The Bulls are 28-0 in 10 games this season and 11-0 in six MCAL contests.
“Obviously Patricia’s senior leadership has played a big role and she has worked hard to bring her game to a very good level,” said Gottschalk. “She’s set to play in Pomona next year, and it’s no coincidence. She’s done the work of getting her game up to her level.
“Beyond that integrity is how hard everyone works. It definitely starts at the front and continues all the way to the back – the nines are the kings of pressure and the wingers back up to push and help. It’s what we do for everyone, every shift is honest and we work hard for each other.If it was just the backline and the keeper, we would have conceded.To do what we’ve done so far. , we need everyone.”
