Branson Defeats Tam 3-0 to Advance to MCAL Girls Soccer Final

Bulls ride big first half to semifinal win, will face Redwood in championship match

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The top-seeded Branson Bulls defeated Tam 3-0 in the MCAL girls soccer semifinal, powered by a brace from Sophie Arnal and a goal from Luna Diaz. Branson jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first half and cruised to the victory, setting up a championship match against No. 2 seed Redwood on Saturday.

Why it matters

Branson's win over Tam secures their spot in the MCAL final, where they will look to capture their third league title in the last four seasons. The Bulls have been one of the dominant teams in the league in recent years, and this semifinal victory continues their strong run of form.

The details

Arnal scored in the 4th and 29th minutes to give Branson an early 2-0 lead, with Diaz adding a third goal in the 33rd minute. Branson controlled the majority of the match, limiting Tam's scoring chances. The Bulls' defense, led by the aerial presence of midfielder Cat Howell, preserved the clean sheet.

  • Arnal scored in the 4th minute to give Branson a 1-0 lead.
  • Arnal scored again in the 29th minute to make it 2-0 Branson.
  • Diaz extended the Bulls' lead to 3-0 in the 33rd minute.

The players

Sophie Arnal

A Branson player who scored two goals in the semifinal win, showcasing her ability to play as an attacking winger after previously playing in defensive roles.

Luna Diaz

Branson's center forward, who scored the third goal for the Bulls in the 33rd minute.

Cat Howell

A Branson midfielder known for her strong aerial presence, winning headers and helping the defense preserve the clean sheet.

Lily-Rose Espinasse

A Tam defender who made a goal-saving play in the early minutes of the match.

Lila Campbell

A Tam player who hit several dangerous balls into Branson's box from midfield on set pieces.

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What they’re saying

“It was kind of unexpected because this hasn't been my position but I'm really liking it right now.”

— Sophie Arnal (The Tribune)

“Sophie is new to this wing position but she's been working really hard and we're all happy that she's playing there because she's definitely been a big playmaker for our team.”

— Cat Howell, Branson midfielder (The Tribune)

“When (Diaz) got her movements right, we found her a few times and she is such a handful to deal with, with her pace and her ability to attack with both feet. She scored a really nice goal and won us a couple of corners in the second half.”

— Tyler Gottschalk, Branson coach (The Tribune)

What’s next

Branson will face No. 2 seed Redwood in the MCAL girls soccer championship match on Saturday at 6:30 PM at San Rafael High School.

The takeaway

Branson's victory over Tam showcases the team's depth and versatility, with players like Sophie Arnal stepping up in new roles to lead the offense. The Bulls' strong first-half performance and stifling defense proved too much for Tam to overcome, setting up an intriguing championship match against rival Redwood.