NCS soccer roundup: Win has Montgomery boys eyeing revenge

After steamrolling visiting No. 4 Ygnacio Valley 4-0 in a Wednesday night semifinal game, the No. 1 Montgomery boys' soccer team has a score to settle in the Division 2 Winter North Coast Section championship on Saturday night versus No. 3 Richmond.

Not only did the Oilers cancel a scheduled game with the Vikings (20-2-2) in January on one day's notice, but Montgomery is hoping to avenge last year's double-overtime loss in the Division 2 title game.

“We have chips on our shoulders for multiple reasons,” Montgomery coach Jon Schwan said. “We want to take it to Richmond. We weren't happy that they cancelled one day before our game. We feel like they tried to duck us, but no one is going to cancel this game.”

The Warriors (15-5-5) certainly had no answers for Montgomery in the semifinal. Ygnacio Valley (Concord) racked up six yellow cards while the Vikings had zero.

“We were the aggressor early and we set the tone. We were in control most of the game. The boys executed the game-plan to perfection,” Schwan said. “We definitely frustrated Ygnacio and they at times lost their composure.”

Montgomery's goals came in the 19th minute (Bryan Rosales from 6 yards), 40th minute (Calvin Perkins from 8 yards) and 56th minute (Carson Wyatt from 10 yards).

“Richmond can't duck us now,” Schwan said matter-of-factly of Saturday's 7 p.m. game at Rancho Cotate.

Miramonte 1, Rancho Cotate 0

In a Division 3 semifinal, the visiting No. 4 Cougars (18-4) went down to the No. 1 Matadors (16-3-2) of Orinda in a tight game.

In girls games:

Analy 1, Ygnacio Valley 0

The host No. 1 Tigers (18-2-3) scored the game's only goal in the first half of a Division 3 semifinal when Lillian Ziemer converted off a pass from Isabel Housman for pay dirt. The goal held up and Analy shut out the No. 12 Warriors (10-7-1).

“Our midfield played really well. We got outstanding help from our defense, forwards and our keeper played well,” Analy coach Brittney Briones said. “We were fortunate to come away with the victory.”

The Tigers will play No. 2 Campolindo for the title on Saturday at 3 p.m. at Rancho Cotate.

Livermore 1, Montgomery 0

The visiting No. 5 Cowboys (13-6-4) scored the lone goal with 30 seconds to play to end the game in heartbreak for the stunned Vikings (18-4) in a Division 2 semifinal.

“We had opportunities but we were unable to capitalize. We picked a bad time not to score,” Montgomery coach Pat McDonald said. “Livermore played a great game; they were very well organized. They just battled. They were determined not to give up a goal.”

Livermore's Lexy Ramirez gathered a loose ball in the middle of the box in the 80th minute and cashed in the winning goal to crystalize the upset.

“Our entire team is disappointed,” McDonald said. “Nothing comes easy.”

Maria Carrillo 4, Redwood 0

The host No. 1 Pumas (18-2-1) easily defeated the No. 6 Giants (16-6) in a Division 2 semifinal.

Redwood (Larkspur) had no answer for the Pumas' attack that netted one goal in the first half (Julia Pell from 22 yards) and three in the second half (two from Kitana Gonzalez from 12 and 15 yards and one from Sophia Trask from 12 yards).

“Redwood had some good moments but never really generated a big attack,” Maria Carrillo coach Debra LaPrath said. “We played a little frantic in the first half, but had a great second half.”

Maria Carrillo will play Livermore in the title game at Rancho Cotate at 5 p.m. on Saturday. Livermore defeated the Pumas 2-0 in a preseason game at Livermore.

“It should be a really good game,” LaPrath said. “I expect a fast-paced game. We really match up well with each other and we have similar style.”

Maria Carrillo will be without their attacking midfielder, Alyiah Shields, who injured her knee in the quarterfinal game and is out for the remainder of the postseason.