The Chieftains scored first when Miguel Mendez converted J.R. Budde’s corner kick in the 19th minute. Mendez managed to get a head on the long kick and send it back towards the near post. After the strike, Carmel found a second wind and Palma reorganized to get out of the half.

Carmel’s Max Yeater gathered in an errant back pass in the 49th minute and was able to slide a shot passed Steven Johnsen. After the match, Palma’s Zack Werner described the moment as “awkward”.

In the 59th minute, Palma’s Terry Lee made a long run forward with the ball, worked his way to the end line and drove to the post before playing a nice negative ball to Zack Werner off the far post. Werner’s 5th goal of the season put Palma up for good. From that point, Palma’s defense held off the Padres as they tried to mount a late rally.

Carmel outshot Palma 11-10, but Steven Johnsen’s 9 saves were the difference in the game. Palma held a 6-2 advantage on corner kicks. Carmel’s Sam Klemek took the loss in goal for Carmel, but had 4 saves.

Zack Werner led Palma with 5 shots. Brian Banuelos had played strong in defense with a tough assignment on Carmel’s Max Yeater.

Palma enters the winter break 2-2-2 and returns to non-league action at P.G. on Friday, 1/3 at 6:00 p.m., before opening league play at Monte Vista Christian on Tuesday, 1/7.