Palma, who has never defeated Alvarez, came into the match with a case of nerves, in what was expected to be their first real test of the season. Their confidence was bolstered by the return of Anthony Daoud and Sam Hernandez, but nothing takes the edge off like a little success. A 0-0 score at the half that included some solid team defense that was challenged by the speed and skills of Alvarez, and some real opportunities in the attack, prepared the Chiefs for an aggressive second half. Palma came out running in the second half and Botta converted in the 50th minute to put Palma on top.

Alvarez scored six minutes later when Luke Paulo got caught off his line and the Eagle’s Luis Biruette chipped a ball from 45 yards that hit the cross bar, then bounced in. The reenergized Eagles proceeded to turn up the pressure, but the Chieftain defense held with several balls cleared by Paulo and a few offsides calls against Alvarez.

The pace of the match was quick and Palma received some solid help off the bench from Erik Nordstrand, Marco Casabella, and Anthony Daoud. The Chieftains had some second half chances of their own, but could not convert.

For the match, Palma had a slight edge on chances, 13 to Alvarez’s 11. But it was the solid effort up top from Botta and Paulo that created three corner kicks and the opportunity to score.

Senior Chris Crawley earns his second “Player-of-the-Match” award for his assist and solid defensive play. Chris worked hard in the first line all night, including a spectacular “save” on the goal line (along with Anthony Daoud) when Luke Paulo came off his line but missed the ball.

The Chieftains are 2-0-1 on the season. Palma continues the long home stand Friday, December 9th when they host a solid Soquel team from the SCCAL. JV at 5:00; Varsity at 6:30. Admission is free.

JV: Alvarez 2, Palma 0