Women’s soccer gets first victory

By Aaron Turner
STAFF WRITER

In a game that saw a defensive back-and-forth struggle, it was Mother Nature that may have played the most significant role for the Rams women’s soccer team.

The Rams shut out the Contra Costa College Comets 1-0 in in their home opener at Crocker Amazon Park on Friday, Sept. 4. It was the first win of the season for City College as they moved their record (1-1-1).

Following a first half in which the Rams were mostly on their heels, the tide turned as the team started the second half on the offensive with the strong wind now at their backs.

“The wind really did play an important role,” coach Gabe Saucedo said. “It allowed us to get our balls deeper into their zone and it kept the pressure on them in the second half.”

Contra Costa let a couple of great scoring opportunities slip through their hands The Comets had two shots on goal during the first half that just went wide.

Chloe Gonzales’ goal at the 32 minute mark of the second half was all the offense the Rams needed. Defenders Julie Alba and Malorie Swanson led a tough Rams backfield and Contra Costa was held to zero shots on goal in the second half.

“To be honest, I’m a little surprised how quickly this team has been able to become organized and work together like we have,” Gonzales said.

She said she was not used to playing at midfield, the position that Saucedo put her in during in the first half. “I told Coach he should move me up to striker at the start of the second half and it worked. I don’t really see myself as a scorer, but more of a passer, but I’m glad I was able to come up with that goal.”

Alba was pleased with the progress her team is making. “We started off the season with a loss, then tied our second game. So a win like this just shows how nicely we’re coming along,” she said.