The progress Cate’s boys soccer team has made playing a tough pre-league schedule was evident in Wednesday’s 4-1 victory over Dunn in the Rams’ Condor League opener.
Cate’s aggressive defense disrupted Dunn’s offensive flow.
“While we finally got back on track offensively today, it was our defense that provided our opportunities,” Cate coach Peter Mack said. “Dunn has a core of remarkably skilled, fast, talented players, but we did an incredible job of disrupting their rhythm and not allowing them to establish very many combinations.
Cate School’s Geoffrey Acheampong was key in the Rams’ win over Dunn.
“Our pressure was fierce and highly coordinated, and our guys, through sheer hard work, were in the right places to support each other,” he continued. “We couldn’t have asked more from our back four, Iman Fardghassemi, Danny Rodriguez, Abraham Tall, and Patrick Thomas. They were outstanding.”
Dunn scored the first goal when UCLA commit Abu Danladi one-timed a shot from the top of the box in the 12th minute.
The Rams equalized in the 34th minute. Fardghassemi played a through ball on the right side to Andrew Robbins who found Matthew Firestone with a pass about 15 yards out on the near post. Firestone curled a ball into the left side netting for the goal.
Cate (4-2-3, 1-0) carried the momentum in the second half and shut down Dunn’s attack.
The Rams took the lead in the 52nd minute when Leighton Brillo-Sonnino volleyed a long throw from Firestone past a helpless Earwigs keeper.
Cate kept the pressure on Dunn and added a third goa in the 60th minute, Andrew Robbins redirected a beautiful cross from Fardghassemi into the back of the Dunn net. Nine minutes after that, Rodriguez slotted a sharp pass forward to a running Firestone who took a couple of touches into the box and ripped a low near post shot from about 16 yards out.
Cate keeper Keller Mochel played a solid match, tallying six saves on the day and commanding his box.
Mack praised the play of midfielder Geoffrey Acheampong.
“Although he didn’t register a point today, Geoffrey had a remarkable effect on the game when he was in there, controlling the midfield and making passes that really opened up the field,” said Mack.
He added: “This was as complete a game as we’ve played this year and every single player contributed to it. It was just a lot of fun to watch.
The Rams play host to St. Bonaventure on Saturday at 3 p.m.
