In the season’s home opener, the City College women’s soccer team raced to a hot start, scoring three goals in the first half against Compton on Friday, Sept. 6.
But defensive miscues in the second half proved to be the difference maker in a hard-fought, physical matchup, resulting in a 4-4 draw.
Second-year head coach Cameron Roget emphasized the need to battle through adversity for his young squad, composed mostly of freshman players.
“It’s going to hurt a little bit,” Roget said. “But you have to learn from (it) and hopefully the next showing, it’s a little bit better than today.”
Despite the adversity, the Knights (0-1-1) showed flashes of offensive prowess. Desiree Garcia scored twice, bringing her season total to three early in her freshman campaign.
“This is Des’ third goal in two games,” Roget said. “So for her, that’s huge.”
Garcia wasn’t the only freshman looking to make an impact. Christiana Macias also had a pair of goals, one in each half, including a spectacular header to get past Compton goalie Leslie Chavarria and regain the lead late in the first half.
In the second half, Compton rallied, scoring in the 59th minute and again in the 77th minute. Goalkeeper Hailey Zinga ended the match with six saves, but the Knights conceded the equalizer in the 83rd minute.
“We’re still getting used to playing as a team,” Zinga said. “Next game will definitely be a lot better.”
Temperatures at game time were well into the 80s for the 1 p.m. start time and resulted in multiple stoppages. When asked if heat played a factor in the late-game collapse, Roget wasn’t looking for any excuses.
“It could have,” Roget said. “But again if you have the right mindset, you have the right mentality, you should be able to battle through.”
The Knights will look to secure the season’s first win at home Friday, Sept.13 when they begin conference play against Imperial Valley.
David Swift Jr • Sep 10, 2024 at 10:09 pm
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