Kilduff Leads Key West, Conchs Remain Undefeated After Early Tests

Key West senior Madison Kilduff and a mix of younger players carried the Conchs through a busy opening week, producing a pair of 1 1 draws and an 8 0 victory that left the team unbeaten. The sequence began on November 5 in the Upper Keys when Key West and Coral Shores played to a 1 1 stalemate after Kilduff scored four minutes into the match and Coral Shores converted a penalty with nine minutes remaining.

The Conchs followed with a mercy rule win at Mater Academy the next day, an 8 0 rout that showcased both finishing and playmaking. Maicee Gage opened the scoring off a free kick by Kilduff. Aly Camargo added the second after another Kilduff assist, and Kilduff herself finished with two goals. Freshman Gabriella Rodriguez and sophomore Suena Marcily each contributed two goals to complete the scoring. Freshmen Kiersten Tate and Beyza Atilla were credited with assists, with Tate recording two.

Key West closed the week on November 7 at Olympic Heights in Boca Raton with another 1 1 draw. The Lions struck first and the Conchs answered when Kilduff set up center midfielder Alondra Montilla for a one on one finish. The late equalizer preserved Key West's undefeated start.

Across the three matches Key West scored 10 goals while allowing two, giving the Conchs a goal differential of plus eight. Kilduff accounted for three goals and three assists across the week, a strong statistical indicator of her influence on both finishing and chance creation. Coral Shores played only the opening match and likewise remained unbeaten with the draw.

Conchs head coach Scott Paul highlighted the physical nature of the early matchup and the team focus on development. "Coral Shores always comes ready to play and the match was, as usual, very physical," Paul said. Paul also explained the decision to give younger players extended minutes in the Mater Academy match. "We wanted to get the younger players more time on the field here early in the season, so we were able to play them throughout much of the first half," Paul said.

For Monroe County the early results matter beyond win loss records. The emergence of freshmen contributors supports the program pipeline and may sustain competitiveness as seniors graduate. The large margin at Mater Academy will buoy team confidence and could increase local interest at future home games, which can translate into greater community engagement around school athletics.

Statistically the sample is small, but Key West demonstrated scoring depth and the ability to manage tight matches. Remaining consistent in the later minutes will be crucial, as the conceded penalty against Coral Shores showed vulnerability when games are decided in the final stages. For now the Conchs leave the opening week unbeaten and with clear role players ready to shape the season.