City College women’s soccer team battled against San Diego Mesa on Friday, Oct. 21 at La Playa Stadium. The Vaquero’s are currently 6-1 and hoped to make it 7-1 after this game.
San Diego kicked off at 2 p.m. and the match started. Both teams were evenly-matched and very aggressive on the field.
The girls were loud when playing and were very encouraging to one another. City College goalkeeper Analea Pule was very vocal from the back of the field, cheering on her teammates and suggesting what plays to make. She has been taught to take charge on the field and lead her teammates to victory using her voice.
“Growing up as a keeper I was told to be vocal and use my voice as a weapon as much as a forward uses their foot as a weapon,” she said.
Pule helped guide her team getting chances at goal but none of the players could put one in the back of the net.
“I can see everything,” she said. “I can see where they can go and where they can’t go.”
City College focused on keeping possession of the ball, making controlled passes to one another rather than just kicking it up the field. Their endurance and speed helped them get closer to the goal and create opportunities to score. After a tiring 45 minutes the referee blew his whistle and the girls walked in to get some water and regroup as they prepared for the second half of a challenging game.
San Diego came in strong after half-time and had multiple attempts at goal within the first five minutes of the second half, creating a lot of work for Pule and City College’s back line.
With 30 minutes left in the game the Vaquero’s front line started to pick up the intensity. Forward Aly Springer had many opportunities and shots on goal, cutting out the work for San Diego’s back line. Although City College out shot San Diego in the last half, none of the shots were successful.
“It was really frustrating getting balls in the final third and not being able to finish them or have someone get on the end of it,” Springer said.
With less than 10 minutes left in the game, San Diego scored a game-winning header goal, ending City College’s longest winning streak since 2019.
Through wins and losses there is a strong bond between the girls and they lean on one another for support during tough games like this. They consider each other family on and off the field.
“My team is my family, especially since I’m away from home,” Pule said. “Losing doesn’t feel good but we played as a family.”
Assistant Coach Alex Zermeno acknowledged the good game play by his team, with hopes that it’ll bring out more passion and determination from the girls.
“I think for 80 minutes they did a good job, but one mistake can cost you the game,” he said. “I hope it lights a fire under them, we’ve only lost one game this season, so we need to get back to the basics, listen to the coaching staff, and execute on Tuesday.”
City College’s next home game will be at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 1 against Oxnard.
