Boys Varsity Soccer Adds Two More Non-League Wins
December 17, 2024
The Rams top Santa Ynez and Ventura Extending Win Streak to 7
Friday, December 13th
Cate 4
Santa Ynez 0
The main focus of today’s game was to control the pace & tempo of the game, maintain possession for longer periods of time, and get a clean sheet (shutout). The Rams accomplished all 3 goals today. Kamil Abdul Nafeo ’26 got the scoring started in the 9th minute on an unassisted goal when he once again made a speedy run up the left flank leaving Pirate defenders dead in their tracks to give us an early 1-0 lead. Max Devore ’25 quickly followed up with a brace (2 goals) of his own by converting in the 12th & 14th minute with assists from Kiy Barry ’26 & Lucas Huiner ’25 to give us a commanding 3-0 lead at the half.
Junior GK Braedo Parker subbed in at goal in the second half. Two minutes in, Dimash Anuarbek ’26 fired off a rocket that was successfully saved by the Pirate keeper but he coughed up the ball and a sprinting TJ Weir ’25 was able to collect it and place it in the back of the net to extend our lead. The Rams maintained possession for the majority of the second half and were able to create shot after shot but were unable to add to our lead.
Seniors Nico Huiner, Marco Gomez and junior Oliver Charvel, and sophomore Nathan Kho came in to contribute some quality minutes and secure our 4-0 victory.
Coach Reynoso’s Quotes
There were major improvements today so we feel good about today’s performance. We need to convert a higher percentage of shots so we’ll continue to work on that and other aspects of our game. We will wrap up a busy run of games with our final 2 games of 2024.
Monday, December 16th
Cate 5
Ventura 1
The Boys Varsity Soccer Team Traveled down the 101 to play a much anticipated non-league match against the Ventura cougars. We went into tonight’s match expecting it to be our first true test to gauge where we are as a team and we got the type of game we needed and passed the test with flying colors.
Both teams came out aggressively and battled to take control of the match and set the tone. It was a hard fought first 10 minutes and the Rams began to take command and create offensive opportunities. In the 14th minute we earned a corner on the left side, Kamil Abdul Nafeo ’26 unleashed an out-swinging ball , TJ Weir ’25 made his run towards the near post then flicked the ball over the cougar defense and it sailed beautifly towards the far post to give your Rams a 1-0 lead. That goal ignited the Ram attack and put the Ventura defense on their heels. In the 22nd minute, Lucas Huiner ’25 extended our lead when he connected with a great cross from TJ and calmly deposited the ball in the low corner to give us a 2-0 lead and the momentum. Ventura was gifted a goal in the 36th minute on an obvious non offside call to cut into our lead BUT in the 40th minute Dimash Anubarek ’26 picked the pocket of a cougar defender and coolly slotted the ball in the far post to give us a 3-1 lead at the half.
In the second half Junior Alex Gallegos came on to join the Ram attack. Ventura came out aggressively trying to get back in the game but the Rams took control of the game by doing what they do best, maintaining possession and sharing the ball. In the 63rd minute we witnessed the goal of the night. Uri Beltran Campuzano ’25 slotted a ball into George Marin ’26 who found himself surrounded by 3 or 4 cougar defenders, he received the ball at the top of the 18 yard box with his back to the defense and with one simple but amazing touch, he disposed of the defenders and found himself face to face with the Ventura keeper, Georgie continues his forward run and simply flicks the ball past the keep and into the net to put the game away, stick a dagger in the Cougars, and sent the Cate bench into frenzy in celebration. The Rams offense was not done. In the 67th minute Lucas connected with George for his second goal of the night and gave Your Cate Rams a solid 5-1 victory.
Coach Reynoso’s Quotes
We were prepared for a test tonight and we are pleased with the result. Our backline is as solid as a team can be, our midfield is taking control of games, and our offense is clicking and producing. We are not depending on one player to create scoring chances. We are spreading the ball around, sharing the scoring, and that makes us a better team. We are still a work in progress but we will continue to work & improve. We will wrap up the 2024 year on Wednesday at the Mesa when we host Cabrillo HS @ 3 pm. THANK YOU SO MUCH to those of you that made the trip. We hope to see you again on Wednesday.