The Matadors got off to a powerful start against Cupertino High School on Tuesday, Oct. 16, staying in the lead throughout the entire game, scoring 16 goals total.
The Matadors played a strong offense by scoring three goals by the end of the first period, but loosened up on their defense and allowed the CHS Pioneers to score one goal. MVHS seemed play this game with ease and had an offense that was overwhelming for the Pioneers. The strong defense was also too much for CHS to handle, as they were shot down every time they attempted to score.
“Instead of doing our normal hardcore offense, we changed stuff up since we had the opportunity,” senior Margaret Maser said.
Junior Merin Palmer scored the first goal with only 3:41 left on the clock for the first period, giving the matadors an early 1-0 lead. Senior Cassidy Carlson scored the second goal in the next thirty seconds giving MV a lead 2-0 by the end of the first period. The matadors scored two more goals in the second period, but also allowed one more goal with the Pioneers’ offense pushing hard against the matadors’ defense.
“This is a pretty easy team, so we weren’t really worried too much about playing [CHS],” sophomore Iraa Guleria said.
Sophomore Kylie Constant made strong passes and overcame the Pioneers’ offense and the Matadors continued to score goal after goal. Their knowledge of the opposite team allowed them to try tactics they had not tried before.
“By now I know the coaches and what plans [CHS is] going to use,” head coach Don Vierra said.
Carlson scored four of the 16 goals with powerful throws and the team experimented with their plays once they were far enough in the lead. By the third period, the Matadors had scored eight goals in a row. In addition to Palme and Carlson, junior Joyce Varma qne senior Elsa Maggiolino also contributed to the series of goals scored one after another.
“We ran a very simple offensive scheme and on defense we just went back to the basics,” Vierra said. The game ended in a solid victory for the matadors, with a final score of 16-1.
The Matador next game will be against Gunn High School on Oct. 18.
