Loss to the Renegades comes as a wake up call
After three years, Ohlone College beats City College, breaking six game winning streak
On a windy Friday evening, the formerly undefeated City College Rams women’s soccer team received a wake up call, losing to the Ohlone College Renegades 2-1. The Rams had beaten the Renegades in the previous three years.With the first upset of the season, the Rams fell to No. 6 in the state with an overall record of (6-1-1) and (2-1-0) in the coast conference season.
In a back and forth matchup against the Renegades, the first half was balanced with both teams battling it out in a stalemate.
That ended late in the first half, when Renegades midfielder Jessica Hernandez shot a knuckle ball that bulleted straight at Rams goalkeeper Lily Garza, putting the away team up 1-0.The Rams found themselves in a hole heading into the second half.
“We didn’t panic. It was still very early on, and we knew we were going to get one back,” Rams’ head coach Gabe Saucedo said. “We were getting plenty of opportunities, so we knew we were going to put one away. It was just keep playing our game and keep doing what we do well.”
The early goal didn’t phase Rams freshman forwards Danyelle Perez and Ashly Dickinson.
“We were playing in a frantic mode after they scored their first goal,” Dickinson said. “We were frantic and wanting to score.”As the second half began, Danyelle Perez capitalized after a break away and netted in the equalizer for the Rams.
“We needed that goal, I stopped it (the ball), then I just took off then I got it with my left foot. It was amazing,” Perez said with excitement.
With the score at 1-1, the Rams were in pursuit to take the victory once again in front of the home crowd. Some fans sat on some of their own lawn chairs. For those not fortunate enough to own one, first row meant sitting next to the fences on the turf.Perez’s goal seemed to rejuvenate the Rams and they re-energizing them to better control the ball and getting a couple of shots on goal.
Though the Rams made a valiant effort, the Renegades showed no mercy when freshman midfielder Racquel Hamblen scored off a rebound in the middle of the second half, bringing the Renegades up 2-1.
Showing no signs of quitting, the Rams kept control of the ball and had some close opportunities but ultimately fell short.
“I think this loss is going to boost us to work harder because we don’t ever wanna feel like this again,” Garza said.
The Rams go on a road trip to face Las Positas College in Livermore Oct. 2. Kickoff starts at 4 p.m.
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