SAN JOSE - Mitty senior captain Oscar Toulet scored the lone goal on Wednesday afternoon as Archbishop Mitty defeated visiting Prospect 1-0 in a non-league match.
The long-running game between the two local rivals, separated by a mere two miles, was a tough, physical game which took its toll on both sides. A defensive miscommunication error by the Prospect back line found Toulet through on goal. But picking up the ball 30 yards away from goal, Toulet still had a lot to do. He did just that with a wonder strike from the top of the box to beat Prospect keeper Jordi van Gastel about 20 minutes in.
While Mitty (2-0-1) had more possession throughout the first, Prospect started to put on the pressure in the second half which forced Mitty keeper Angel Rojero into some key saves. Prospect midfield stars Dane Pendleton and Ariel Mbumba kept the Panthers in the game, but Mitty's back line, led by seniors Matt Espinoza, Andre Thurman and Parker McNair kept the Panthers out. Pendleton's older brother, Makenna, was a star for Mitty who graduated in 2017 and was a member of the 2016 CCS Open Division Championship.
Mitty, one of the WCAL early season contenders, returns 12 players from its one-loss team from last year. However, the Monarchs currently have six players out due to injury. Prospect looks to be a contender in what will be a loaded BVAL Mt. Hamilton, along with perennial title contenders Lincoln, and others including Leland and Branham.
