The Cal State LA women’s soccer team ended its three-game losing streak with a tie against Cal Poly Pomona on Oct. 20. However, it was looking for a win as it hit the road to face Cal State Monterey Bay and Cal State East Bay in the Bay Area on Friday and Sunday respectively.
The Golden Eagles kicked off the weekend with their game against Cal State Monterey Bay, which resulted in a 1-0 loss.
After ending the first half at a 0-0 tie, the Otters broke the deadlock in the 83rd minute after a goal by Cal State Monterey Bay forward Alexandra Diaz. She scored off an assist from fellow forward Sophia Zertuche.
After the narrow defeat, the players realized they were more capable than what they showed on Friday.
Golden Eagle forward Leslie Ramirez felt that the game could have gone either way, which is why Friday’s loss might have been difficult to accept.
“[This] game was one of the best games we have played. I think we were all convinced that there was no way we could lose this game. With the amount of heart and effort we had, we for sure thought we were going to walk away with a win and I think that’s why this loss was a tough one to swallow,” said Ramirez.
However, the team still had one more chance to pick themselves back up before heading home. The birds ended their two-game trip at Cal State East Bay.
The first half of the game had the Golden Eagles on their heels as they allowed a total of six shots. However, the first half ended with no score.
Although Cal State LA failed to find the back of the net in the first half, the second half was not wasted as the team scored its first goal in the 67th minute. Forward Natalie Reynoso scored on an assist by freshman defender Destiny Moedano.
This goal was enough to get the Golden Eagles a 1-0 feel-good victory against the Pioneers.
“We needed this win, I feel like we’ve been caught up in the pressure and [the] losses that we forgot to have fun, that was my goal for this game, enjoy playing the game,” said midfielder Selena Cuara.
The much-needed win comes after Cal State LA lost four of its five previous games. Cal State LA still has a chance to make the CCAA tournament but needs to start racking up wins if it is going to make the cutoff. The top six teams make the CCAA tournament, and the Golden Eagles currently sit in eighth place.
Reynoso felt that the win against the Pioneers motivated the team more than ever to keep up the hard work.
“The season’s progress has been through its ups and downs, but the results motivated us to keep going. Hitting a rough patch this season has only made us work harder to get back up. We know this season isn’t over and we came together as a team to figure out how we can improve,” she said.
The women’s soccer season will continue against Cal State San Marcos this Thursday.
