SAN MARCOS, Calif. - In a thrilling regular season finale at The Cage on Thursday, Cal State East Bay women's soccer team clinched a spot in the CCAA Tournament with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Cal State San Marcos. The win not only secured the Pioneers' postseason berth but also propelled them to the second seed in the conference standings, marking the program's highest regular season finish since joining the CCAA.
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The Pioneers (10-5-3, 7-3-2 CCAA) struck early when Abigail Kern found the back of the net in the 15th minute, assisted by Mika Sayfurahman. This goal marked Kern's sixth of the season and her third in as many matches, showcasing her recent hot streak.
Cal State East Bay doubled their lead in the 69th minute as Gabriella Rodil scored her third goal of the season, again with Sayfurahman providing the assist. The two-goal cushion proved crucial as the Cougars (7-6-5, 4-5-2 CCAA) mounted a late comeback attempt.
Cal State San Marcos intensified their offensive pressure in the second half, breaking through in the 74th minute when Natalia Huntington scored off an assist from Brianna Delgado. However, the Pioneers' defense, anchored by goalkeeper Ashley Levi, held firm. Levi made a crucial save in the 80th minute to preserve the lead and ultimately secure the victory.
- Kern finished the regular season with six goals and three assists.
- Sayfurahman's two assists in the match brought her career point total to 44, tying her for 10th all-time in Pioneer program history.
- The second-place finish in the CCAA standings is the highest for East Bay since joining the conference.
- The Pioneers' 6-3-2 conference record matches their previous best in the CCAA.
- With 10 regular season wins, East Bay set a new program record as a CCAA member.
- The team concluded the regular season on a four-match winning streak and a seven-match unbeaten streak.
Cal State East Bay head coach
Anne Whipple expressed her pride in the team's performance:
"Huge win for us on the road against a very good San Marcos side to clinch a playoff spot and continue our season. I'm so incredibly proud of this group - they have been consistent to who we are and our game plan the entire season and we are earning well-deserved results."
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FINAL REGULAR SEASON RECORDS |
Cal State East Bay: 10-5-3, 6-3-2
Cal State San Marcos: 7-6-5, 4-5-2
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UP NEXT FOR CAL STATE EAST BAY |
Looking ahead, No. 2 seed Cal State East Bay has earned a first-round bye in the CCAA Women's Soccer Tournament, presented by FloCollege. They will face the winner of Sunday's first round fixture in Los Angeles between Cal State LA and Cal State Monterey Bay in the semifinals. Cal State East Bay's tournament semifinal match is scheduled for Friday, November 15, at 11 a.m. at College Creek Field on the campus of Cal Poly Humboldt in Arcata, California.
2024 CCAA Women's Soccer Tournament presented by FloCollege
at College Creek Soccer Field, Cal Poly Humboldt, Arcata, Calif.
Sunday, Nov. 10 - First Round (at campus sites)
Match 1: #6 Cal State Monterey Bay at #3 Cal State LA, 11:30 a.m.
Match 2: #5 Cal Poly Humboldt at #4 Stanislaus State, Noon
Friday, Nov. 15 - Semifinals
Match 3: #2 Cal State East Bay vs. Winner Match 1, 11 a.m.
Match 4: #1 Cal Poly Pomona vs. Winner Match 2, 2 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 17 - Championship
Match 5: Winner Match 3 vs. Winner Match 4, 11 a.m.
