This article dives into the wild finish of the Marin County Athletic League (MCAL) girls’ soccer regular season. The spotlight lands on the Branson School’s commanding run to clinch the championship.
You’ll find key goals, standout players, and a snapshot of how Marin County teams stack up as playoffs loom. From Ross to Mill Valley, the excitement felt real—these local athletes really put on a show.
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Branson’s Triumph: A Masterclass in MCAL Domination
The Branson School, tucked away in Ross, just grabbed its first regular-season title since 2022. And they didn’t just squeak by—they stormed past the two-time defending champs from Tamalpais High in Mill Valley with a 3-0 road win.
That night, the anticipation was almost electric. Branson played with a confidence that people will probably talk about in every coffee shop from San Rafael to Corte Madera.
A Symphony of Goals: From Long Shots to Clinical Finishes
The scoring started with a moment that left everyone stunned. Ava Grevelding took a risk and launched a stunning 40-yard strike.
This goal wasn’t just impressive—it set the tone and caught both her teammates and Tamalpais off guard.
- About twenty-five minutes in, Luna Diaz made it 2-0. She kept pushing, found space behind Tam’s high back line, and finished off a play that Anya Sridharan set up with her usual cleverness.
- In the 62nd minute, Branson put the game out of reach. Julia Myerberg sent in a free kick, and Anya Sridharan out-jumped the defense to head it home.
Tam’s Valiant Effort & Playoff Scramble Across Marin
Tamalpais High, with its championship pedigree, still showed moments of what they’re capable of. Early on, the Red-tailed Hawks nearly scored—Lauren Willard came close, and a few dangerous crosses kept Branson’s defenders on their toes.
Tam’s goalkeeper, Fionnula Hall, stood tall in goal and made some big saves. Her block in the 30th minute stopped Diaz from grabbing a hat-trick, and you could see the kind of resilience Mill Valley teams are known for.
Beyond Branson: Playoff Implications for Marin County Teams
The MCAL season is never just about one team. Other crucial matches unfolded across Marin, shaping the playoff brackets.
The stakes were high. Teams from Novato to San Anselmo all wanted a shot at post-season glory.
- In a tight contest, Stella Hayes scored the lone goal for Archie Williams. That 1-0 win over Terra Linda bumped the Peregrine Falcons into seventh place, which feels like a big deal for the San Anselmo-based squad.
- San Rafael High School clinched a coveted playoff spot with a dominant 5-0 rout of Novato. Ryder Higgins Jones led the Bulldogs, showing off her offensive skills with two goals and an assist—fans in San Rafael definitely had something to cheer about.
- Meanwhile, a strategic 0-0 draw between Redwood and Marin Catholic shook things up. Redwood, from Larkspur, already locked in a first-round bye and played it smart. Marin Catholic, out of Kentfield, now faces a must-win Thursday against Novato if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive. You can bet the tension’s rising in Kentfield as that game approaches.
Here is the source article for this story: Girls soccer: Branson takes down Tam, claims regular-season title
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