Carmel stepped it up in the second half and threw the Chiefs off their game as the Padres won a majority of the 50-50 balls. Palma lost their shape and their rhythm as every ball seemed too long or too short; or too soon or too late. Carmel created some serious opportunities, but were able to create only two viable chances with only one finding the back of the net late in the match.

Palma pulled it together late, with some spirited assistance from the sidelines, when the midfield finally played the ball wide. Julian Maher made a run out of the first line to receive the ball from Dylan Lee. He then played a perfectly placed ball into the right corner where Ross Majewski beat his man to the ball. Majewski was able to turn and make a high right-to-left cross. Marco Casabella made a run to the near post pulling the defense and Paulo finished with a leaping far post header.

For the match, Palma had a balanced attack netting two goals off of 9 first-half and 9 second-half chances, while the defense held Carmel to ten chances and one goal on the day.

Senior Chris Paulo (Fwd) earns “Player-of-the-Match” honors for his two goals. Chris worked hard all day to be in the right place at the right time and create a little of own luck. It should also be noted that Ross Majewski had a solid day on the right wing and has two assists in two matches.

The Chieftains are 2-0-0 on the season. Palma has a week off, but opens a long home stand, starting Thursday, December 1st when they host Scott’s Valley of the SCCAL. JV at 4:00; Varsity at 5:30. Admission is free.