Los Gatos girls soccer team falls short in NorCal semifinal

Wildcats' breakout season ends with 2-1 loss to Bishop O'Dowd

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Los Gatos High's girls soccer team saw its impressive 19-2-3 season come to an end with a 2-1 loss to unbeaten Bishop O'Dowd in the NorCal Division I semifinal. Despite a late goal from Abby Nelson, the Wildcats couldn't overcome the deficit and fell short of reaching the regional championship game.

Why it matters

Los Gatos had a breakout season, capturing the CCS Division I title and establishing a strong foundation for the future. However, the loss to Bishop O'Dowd marks the end of an era, as the Wildcats will graduate nine seniors who were instrumental in the team's success.

The details

In the tight NorCal semifinal matchup, Los Gatos fell behind 2-0 before Nelson scored a late goal to make it a one-goal game. But the Wildcats couldn't find the equalizer, despite applying late pressure. Coach Lisa Mitchell praised her team's effort and accomplishments, noting the strong season they put together.

  • Los Gatos High's girls soccer team saw its 19-2-3 season end in a 2-1 NorCal Division I semifinal loss to Bishop O'Dowd.

The players

Sadie Siedel

A freshman star who scored the game-winning goal for Bishop O'Dowd in the NorCal semifinal.

Abby Nelson

A Los Gatos High player who scored a late goal in the 2-1 loss to Bishop O'Dowd.

Lisa Mitchell

The head coach of the Los Gatos High girls soccer team, who praised her team's accomplishments despite the tough loss.

Bishop O'Dowd

The unbeaten team that defeated Los Gatos High in the NorCal Division I semifinal.

Los Gatos High

The high school team that had a breakout 19-2-3 season, winning the CCS Division I title before falling short in the NorCal semifinal.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

The takeaway

Despite the tough loss, Los Gatos High's girls soccer team can be proud of their impressive season and the strong foundation they've built for the future. The team's accomplishments, including the CCS Division I title, demonstrate the program's growth and potential, even as they bid farewell to a talented group of graduating seniors.