Jacks defeat Coyotes 3-1 with late goals
The Cal Poly Humboldt women’s soccer team earned its first CCAA win against the Cal State San Bernardino Coyote on Sunday, October 3, 2023. The Jacks scored two goals in the final six minutes to secure a 3-1 victory at College Creek Field. Frida Duran Arellano scored twice, including the game-winning shot in the 84th minute. Emilia Long also scored in the final seconds to seal the win and pick up her sixth goal of the season, making her tied for the most goals scored across the CCAA.
The Jacks, who are ranked No. 21 in the nation, improved their record to 7-1-1 overall and 1-1 in league play. The Yotes dropped to 4-5-1 overall and 0-2 in the CCAA.
The match was a close contest, as both teams had chances to score in the first half. Long pushed up the right flank and sent the ball over to Duran Arellano, who wrapped it left just out of the goalie’s reach to put the Jacks up 1-0 in the 30th minute. Humboldt went into the half up 1-0 and outshot CSUSB 5-4. The Yotes had four corners compared to the Jacks’ zero.
Yotes equalize in second half
In the second half, the Yotes came out strong and forced three corner kicks but failed to convert. Long put a shot that went off the top woodwork at the 62:32 mark that was inches away from extending the Humboldt lead. Nathaly Losada Lucumi of CSUSB evened the match within the next minute (62:43) on an assist from Kaylen Gonzalez to make it a 1-1 score.
The Jacks responded with more pressure and created several opportunities to regain the lead. Kylea Becker shot a ball on target to the bottom right corner that was saved by the San Bernardino goalie in the 57th minute. Emma McChristie sent a corner kick into the box that Becker headed to Duran Arellano for a highlight reel goal, putting Humboldt up 2-1 with five minutes remaining.
Long scores sixth goal of season
Feeling the pressure, the Yotes had almost everyone on the attack in the final minute. Grace Johnson was able to clear the ball upfield to Long, who had a breakaway opportunity. She calmly slotted the ball past the keeper to make it 3-1 and secure the win for the Jacks.
Long, who is a senior forward from Eureka, has been having a stellar season for Humboldt. She leads the team with six goals and two assists, and is tied for first in the CCAA with Chico State’s Kelsey Bess for most goals scored. She also ranks second in the CCAA with 14 points, behind Bess who has 15.
Jacks prepare for next match
The Jacks will look to continue their winning form when they face Cal State East Bay on Friday, October 6, at College Creek Field. The Pioneers are currently 4-4-2 overall and 0-1-1 in the CCAA. They played to a 0-0 draw with Cal State Dominguez Hills on Sunday.
The Jacks have a history of success against East Bay, as they have won six of their last seven meetings. The last time they faced each other was on October 18, 2022, when Humboldt won 2-0 at home.
The match will kick off at 3 p.m. and will be streamed live on Jacks TV.
