Two newcomers to the Cate soccer team made an instant impact in a 3-1 season-opening victory at San Marcos on Wednesday at Warkentin Stadium.
Freshman Joel Serugo scored the Rams’ first goal and first-year goalkeeper Keller Mochel played a solid game between the pipes to notch a win in his varsity debut.
Serugo scored in the first five minutes and the two-time defending CIF-champion Rams carried the 1-0 lead into the second half.
About 10 minutes into the second half, sophomore Geoffrey Acheampong hit a cross to Seguro that was knocked into the San Marcos net by a defender.
Ian Hall scored for San Marcos about 10 minutes later on a through ball that made it a 2-1 game.
Cate created several scoring opportunities; but it wasn’t until about three minutes left in the contest when Acheampong found the back of the net from an assist from senior Abhay Singh which made the final score 3-1.
Cate coach Peter Mack was pleased with the first outing, which was played in the rain.
“Despite the wet, sloppy conditions, we managed to string together some wonderful passing combinations throughout the midfield and into the attacking third,” he said. “And while there were obvious signs of first-game jitters and a few miscues, we attacked relentlessly and played sound, smart defense in the back.”
He praised the play of junior Matthew Firestone at centerback and junior Leighton Brillo-Sonnino, senior Justin Kim, and Acheampong for controlling play for large portions of the game.
Cate’s next game is Tuesday at Carpinteria High.
