SAN BERNARDINO – The Yotes managed to clinch a crucial 2-1 victory over the Pioneers this Saturday at Premier Field. This victory has propelled the Yotes to the No. 4 position in the CCAA standings, significantly enhancing their chances of securing a spot in the upcoming CCAA tournament.
The stakes were incredibly high as both the Yotes and the Pioneers were fiercely competing for a coveted spot in the tournament. With just one game remaining in the conference, the importance of earning three points couldn't be overstated.
Adding to the intensity, the game coincided with Senior Day at Premier Field, an event that honored eight of the Yotes' players, including
Alyssa Rubio,
Kaylen Gonzalez,
Katherine Walker,
Natalie Treto,
Yvette Ochoa,
Nathaly Losada Lucumi,
Sam Smith, and
Vanessa Massaro.
The first half saw a display of strong defensive play from both the Yotes and Cal State East Bay, resulting in only two shots for each team, with neither goalkeeper having to make a save.
However, the deadlock was eventually broken by the Pioneers in the final minutes of the first half. In the 43rd minute, a foul was called against the Yotes in the 18-yard box, leading to a penalty kick for Cal State East Bay, which they successfully converted. This put the Yotes behind 0-1 at halftime.
As seen in their second-half victories against Monterey Bay and San Francisco State, the Yotes should never be counted out until the full 90 minutes are played.
The Yotes would not take long to make their second half-surge. In the 50
th minute, the Yotes delivered a dangerous ball into the box, forcing the Pioneers' defender to clear the ball out of play for a corner kick. When the ball was served in,
Emilee Perez was pushed from behind, prompting the referee to award a penalty kick to the Yotes.
Kaylen Gonzalez, the Yotes' consistent penalty taker, stepped up to the challenge and calmly slotted the ball into the left corner, equalizing the score at 1-1.
The second half turned into a battle, with both teams determined to secure all three points that would come with a win. The Yotes managed seven shots to Cal State East Bay's four, but the score remained level with only 10 minutes left in the game.
The Yotes finally found their breakthrough in the 83rd minute. Samantha Bergin took control of the ball at the center of the pitch and threaded it through four Pioneer defenders.
Kaylen Gonzalez seized the opportunity and took a decisive touch past the centerbacks before sliding the ball between the legs of the oncoming goalkeeper.
With two goals in the game, Gonzalez has now accumulated six goals this season, and the assist marked Samantha Bergin's first of the season.
Even though they had to withstand immense pressure from the Pioneer offense in the remaining minutes, the Yotes held their ground and secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory.
