Box Score Box score

BELMONT, Calif. - The Pioneer women's soccer team opened the 2011 campaign with a goal in the first three minutes against host Notre Dame de Namur. East Bay couldn't hold the lead, however, as Notre Dame de Namur rallied with two second half goals to defeat the Pioneers 2-1 on Sept. 1.

“We did a great job taking care of the ball overall,” Pioneer Head Coach Amy Gerace said. “Overall, we did a lot of good things to build on, but some areas need to be worked on.”

Forward Shianna Falk, the Pioneers' leading scorer in 2010, converted a shot over Argonauts goalkeeper Kelsey Baxter in the third minute. Kara Yamamoto was credited with the assist.

Cal State East Bay maintained the offensive pressure as Yamamoto followed with three shots including two on goal in a 12-minute span.

The Pioneers outshot the Argonauts 6-3 in the first half.

Ariana Nobrega had a shot turned away by Baxter in the 59th minute.

Notre Dame de Namur countered with four consecutive shots including one on goal by Massiel Castellanos in the 60th minute.

The Argonauts tied the match 1-1 as Sarah Biser scored on an assist by Castellanos and Schneider in the 67th minute.

Biser received a pass from Baxter and scored on a one-on-one at the 81st minute for her second goal of the match. The goal gave the Argonauts a one-goal advantage and became the eventual match winner.

Nobrega got off a shot in the 86th minute only to be turned away by Baxter.

Notre Dame de Namur held on the last four minutes to win the match.

For the match, the Pioneers had seven shots on goal compared to five for the Argonauts. Nobrega had three shots on goal while Falk and Yamamoto had two each.

Pioneer goalkeeper Nina Cefalo had three saves while Baxter turned away six shots.

“Shiana Falk, Katie Brawley and Kara Yamamoto all played well,” Gerace said. “Breanna Baker played exceptional in the back. A lot of players are doing good things on the field. We'll regroup and prepare to take on Dominican University.”

Cal State East Bay will play its home opener against Dominican University (1-0) on Saturday at Pioneer Stadium. The match will begin at 4:30 p.m.