MOONEY BOYS' SOCCER TRIUMPHS IN SEASON OPENER

Cardinal Mooney came out strong against Bradenton Christian, immediately putting pressure on the defense. Just five minutes into the game, Cooper Flammang sent a precise cross to Ryan DiLascia, who finished in the bottom right corner to give Mooney an early lead. Bradenton Christian, however, refused to back down. They pushed hard on offense and eventually earned a penalty kick. Though their initial shot was saved, they capitalized on the rebound to equalize the score. Both teams continued to play with intensity, shifting quickly between fierce attacks and solid defensive stands, ending the first half tied 1–1.

The second half began with Mooney in possession, but Bradenton Christian quickly forced them back onto defense. Mooney soon found rhythm again, creating several dangerous chances — one stopped by an incredible save from Bradenton’s keeper, and another when DiLascia’s through-ball to Lance Lopez narrowly missed its target. The game’s momentum swung back and forth until Maros Morales unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box, burying it in the bottom left corner to give Mooney a 2–1 advantage.

Bradenton Christian tried to answer with strong offensive pushes, but Mooney’s defense held firm. After a foul on Bradenton, Flammang took a direct free kick that led to a corner, followed by another close attempt. Flammang then connected a pass to Samuel Shamsey, who earned yet another corner kick. From the ensuing play, Kaeden Shouse pounced on a rebound and finished it cleanly for Mooney’s third goal. In the closing minute, Bradenton Christian earned a free kick that could have closed the gap, but Grant Shreve made a stunning save to seal the win. The final whistle blew with Mooney triumphing 3-2 in a hard-fought, fast-paced match.