HAYWARD, Calif. - The Cal State East Bay women's soccer team kicked off its 2024 home schedule with a resounding 3-1 victory over UC Merced on Thursday evening at Pioneer Stadium. The Pioneers overcame an early deficit to clinch their third win of the season.
The match began with the Bobcats taking an early lead in the 10th minute. A well-executed corner kick by Lexi Wright found Hannah DeLay, who set up Yareli Hernandez for a header that found the net.
Cal State East Bay's offensive efforts paid off in the 23rd minute when Morgan Pearson netted her first goal of the season. Assisted by Kella Folkerts, Pearson's precise shot to the right side of the frame leveled the score at 1-1.
The Pioneers continued their momentum into the second half, with Izzy Edmunds coming out of traffic in front of the net to score the go-ahead goal in the 50th minute for a 2-1 lead.
In the closing moments of the match, Mika Sayfurahman sealed the victory for Cal State East Bay. After drawing a foul in the box with just 32 seconds remaining, Sayfurahman confidently converted the penalty kick, notching her second goal of the season and the 12th of her career.
- Edmunds netted her first goal as a Pioneer, proving to be the game-winner.
- With two shots each were Sayfurahman, Pearson and Harlye Holliday.
- Appearing for the first time in net as a Pioneer was Madison Dong, who picked up a goalkeeper win.
- Cal State East Bay outshot UC Merced 11-9, with an 8-3 advantage in shots on frame.
Cal State East Bay: 3-2-0
UC Merced: 3-1-1
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UP NEXT FOR CAL STATE EAST BAY |
The Pioneers will look to build on the momentum as they prepare for their next home match against Menlo on Saturday, September 21. The game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. kickoff at Pioneer Stadium in Hayward, California.
