SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. - California State University San Bernardino women's soccer earned its first CCAA Tournament victory in program history Sunday morning, rallying past Cal State San Marcos 2-1 at Premier Field to advance to the conference semifinals.
With the win, the Coyotes reach double-digit victories on the season, improving to 10-4-4 overall.
A competitive opening half saw both teams create chances, but the match remained scoreless heading into the break. San Marcos held a slight 6-5 advantage in shots, with each side putting two attempts on target.
The Cougars broke through in the 58th minute after CSUSB failed to control the ball. San Marcos picked it up out wide and whipped a well-placed cross into the box for the finish and a 1-0 lead.
Time was running out before a play in the San Marcos penalty area prompted a coach's challenge. A VAR review confirmed a handball, giving CSUSB a chance to draw level. Fifth-year midfielder Unieque Solis-Marquina came off the bench and converted from the spot in the 82nd minute to make it 1-1.
Less than four minutes later, Solis-Marquina stepped up for another VAR-reviewed penalty and delivered again in the 86th, putting the Coyotes ahead 2-1. CSUSB held on through the closing minutes to secure the historic victory.
In goal, senior goalkeeper Bella Ortiz made five saves in 90 minutes, including four after halftime to keep the Coyotes within reach before the late turnaround.
CSUSBÂ advances to take on Cal State Los Angeles on Thursday evening in the CCAA Semifinals, after the Golden Eagles defeated Stanislaus State in penalties on Sunday. Kickoff from Cal Poly Pomona is slated for 7 p.m.
