The California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) women’s soccer team has exhibited their proficiency in previous games so far this season, but was unable to beat the Dominican University Penguins on Saturday, Sept. 16, losing 1-0.
The Otters won their first official game against the Academy of Art on Sept. 9, 3-0, and have otherwise found themselves with a tie and two losses.
The score was tied at 0-0 for the first half but the Penguins scored their first and only goal with 14 minutes left in the second half. While the Otters kept defense on high alert, they struggled to keep the ball away from their side of the field.
Amelia McManus, a third-year forward, said, “We’re starting to come together as a team. Obviously, we still have some kinks to work out, but we’re definitely taking steps in the right direction.”
Twelve players are freshmen and warming up in their new team environment. Some of McManus’ goals for the season are “finishing in the attacking third and getting more scoring opportunities.”
No matter the outcome of the game, the Otters can count on the support of their fans in the stands. Parents, students and the men’s soccer team cheered them on as they battled Dominican University.
According to Cory Greer, a third-year midfielder, support in the stands “impacts us a lot. I feel like it’s motivating and if you listen to who’s cheering, whether it’s for you or against you, you have to assume that it’s for you … to boost your energy.”