"We made one mistake and they capitalized on it," Pioneer coach Randy Worthington pointed out.

The result was a 1-0 win for Los Gatos (16-2-6) and a trip to the Division II championship game, while Pioneer (15-4-3) saw its season come to a close.

The two teams were evenly matched and battled to a 0-0 deadlock at the half. Los Gatos dominated field play while Pioneer had more of an offensive surge and fired more shots on goal.

The miscue came about four minutes into the second half.

"They put a deep ball in and we had some miscommunication among our players," Worthington said. "It allowed them to put a header in over our keeper."

Los Gatos won the thriller over Pioneer thanks to a goal by Melissa Shawhan off a Monica Rude assist in the 44th minute.

"She had a remarkable game," said Los Gatos coach Jan Eric Nordmo of Shawhan. "She stepped up and put herself in a dangerous position, but her gamble in front of the Pioneer penalty box gave her the opportunity to beat the keeper with a header and get the goal.

"Before the match we challenged each of the players to do something great, and Melissa stepped up to the task."

The goal was all Gatos needed for the victory because the Cats were up to the task defensively, too.

"Our defense has played exceptionally well this entire year," added Nordmo. "We were certainly at our best in the game against Pioneer."

"Pioneer was a very offensive team and was constantly challenging us," he said. "They were able to create more chances, but our defensive line certainly stifled and frustrated the Pioneer strikers."

The single goal was all Los Gatos needed even though Pioneer dominated the second half and controlled the ball from the 50-yard line and over most of the half.

"We just couldn't get a shot in," the coach said. "We hit the goalie twice and hit the pole twice but unfortunately couldn't get a ball into the net. Of course it's also a credit to their defense." Lauren West was one of those who came close to getting one into the net but her shot bounced off the crossbar.

Los Gatos outshot the Mustangs just 5-3 in the game, but the Gatos defense was able to blank the potent Pioneer offense. That's been the case much of the year for the Cats.

"We have shut out opponents in at least 10 games this season," said Nordmo. "Although there were a few flurries in front of our goal in this game, the coaching staff never felt uneasy. The Wildcats have given a rare confidence to the coaching staff and our goalkeeping this season has been the best it's been in the past couple of years."

For Pioneer, Jules Setnicker was back at full strength in her defensive role, which allowed Worthington to put senior captain Amy Cusick in a center midfielder position. "She had an outstanding game and made things happen in the second half, which is why we could control the way we did."

Seniors Kendra Worthington and A.J. Roman both finished with an excellent performance, as did freshman Samantha Vega.

Worthington also singled out freshman Bianca Springer, saying "that girl is an awesome soccer player. That's the only way to describe her and she played every minute of every game this year."

"I really was proud of every one of our players," the coach said. "Every one of them played a very good game."

Although Worthington and his Mustangs would have liked to have played one more game, they certainly can look back on what was a very successful season. Winning the championship of the Mt. Hamilton Division of the Blossom Valley Athletic League with an undefeated mark and making a run deep into the CCS playoffs are certainly accomplishments to be counted as worthy. With 14 returning varsity players, next year has great potential as well.