GIRLS SOCCER: Los Gatos Advances to CCS Semifinals

During the most crucial time of the season, Los Gatos High senior Brianne Medved is playing her best soccer to date.

Opponents in the Central Coast Section Division II Girls Soccer Playoffs certainly are getting an up-close-and-personal look at Medved’ ability on the soccer field--the gifted striker has four goals in the Wildcats first two playoff games.

The ‘Cats veteran led her team in goals (14) and assists (10) this season, helping her team come within an eyelash of capturing the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League De Anza Division title.

Los Gatos (13-3-6) kicked off CCS playoff action last Wednesday with an impressive 4-2 win at home over San Mateo High.

Medved scored three goals in the win.

“She was unstoppable,” Los Gatos head coach Jan Eric Nordmo said about his teams’ top player. “Teams have been putting two players on her in both our games, but she’s good enough to still find ways to score and find the open player.”

McKinzy Flood recorded the final scoring shot in the win over San Mateo. The freshman midfielder scored off an assist from Medved.

The No. 6 seed in the draw, Los Gatos traveled over the hill and defeated No. 3 seed Aptos High Saturday afternoon.

Dealing with frigid temperatures, gusty winds and some light snow flurries, Los Gatos dominated the game from start to finish, winning the game 2-0 behind goals from Amy Hudson and Medved.

Medved struck a direct free kick from 35 yards out that bounced off the Aptos keeper. The juicy rebound was tipped in by an alert Hudson to give the ‘Cats a 1-0 advantage in the 11th minute.

Los Gatos led 1-0 at the half, striking the post several times but not adding to the lead until the final 10 minutes of regulation.

In the 71st minute, Hudson fired a long lead pass to Medved down the sideline. The striker secured the pass and cut across the middle of the field. Two Aptos defender toppled to the ground before Medved fired a rocket shot past the goalie to double the Los Gatos advantage.

“It was very unsettled weather,” Nordmo said. “Brutally cold with some snow flurries, but we played well throughout the game. It seemed like Brianne had the ball forever on the second goal. Two girls fell down and she was able to put one by their keeper.”

Next up for the ‘Cats is a showdown with West Catholic Athletic League champion Archbishop Mitty Prep-San Jose (16-2-4).

“It’s going to be a physical game,” Nordmo said. “The girls are relaxed. We expect to go out and give them a good show. I expect a very level game between two evenly matched teams.”

The semifinal game will take place at Pioneer High in San Jose today and will begin at 4:30 pm.

No. 4 seed St. Ignatius will play No. 1 seed Aragon in the second semifinal game at 7:30.