Story and photos by Javier Perez

Although the CSUDH women’s soccer team is winless through seven matches this season, only twice have the Toros trailed by more than a goal in the first 75 minutes: Dec. 4 against Colorado Mesa, when they were blitzed for four goals in the first half en route to a 5-0 defeat; and Sept. 10 against Concordia, when they surrendered a goal at the 15:42 mark, followed by a penalty goal at 39:33.

But though they’ve been within striking distance late in their other five contests, an 0-5-2 record is still 0-5-2, and doesn’t change the reality that the Toros rank 10th among the 12 California Collegiate Athletic Association teams in goal scored, with four, and lead in goals against, 15.

If last weekend is any indication, however, the Toros may be due for a win, as both home contests were tight and the Toros had ample scoring opportunities

Sept. 15, Fresno Pacific (1-2-2) Dignity Sports Health Park Field #3

The first part of the first half was a back and forth match with Fresno Pacific inching closer towards the Toros final third.  The Sunbirds came onto the pitch with a strong presence, and their forwards were a problem for the Toros defense. The first part of the first half was a back and forth match with Fresno inching closer towards the Toros final thirrd,

The deadlock eventually broke as Fresno went up 1-0 in the 32nd minute, leaving the Toros to play catch upiat home. 

The breakthrough for CSUDH came early in the second half, Alicia Covarrubias caught a cross after Jordan Barber beat a Sunbirds defender before slotting it in to bring the Toros level at 1-1. This marked Covarrubias first goal of the season. 

After the leveler, the Toros came out swinging with possession heavily on their side. They were constantly in Fresno’s final third, using their wide play to make runs behind the Sunbirds fullbacks. However, Fresno’s defensive line wouldn’t allow CSUDH’s attacks to get through. 

The Sunbirds reclaimed the momentum im the 69th minute, when Tori De Leon won a a 1-on-1 battle with Toro keeper Alyssa Newsom. De Leon slipped the ball beneath for a goal, and the Sunbirds went on to claim a 2-1 decision,which would have been a larger score had Newsom not made three saves down the stretch.

Their conference opener vs Monterey Bay saw an improvement in their game. The deadlock went well into the second half until CSUMB scored in the 72nd minute. Once again, the Toros had to step up to salvage a tie from their conference opener. A huge moment of relief came as Julia Burdick slotted in a chance and brought CSUDH level again at 1-1. However, the ghosts of the previous game haunted them as a late 89th minute goal saw Monterey Bay lead 2-1 once again. 

Sept. 17 vs Cal State Monterey (2-2-2) Dignity Sports Health Park Field #3

This non-conference game against a conference opponent had all the intensity and drama of a playoff game. IT was scoreless at halftime and well into the second period when Cal State Monterey Bay tallied the first goal in the 72nd minute. Once again, the Toros had to step up to salvage a tie. A huge moment of relief came some seven minute later as Lexie Howard fed Julia Burdick and Burdick slotted in the chance to bring CSUDH level again at 1-1. However, the ghosts of the previous game haunted them as a late 89th minute goal saw Monterey Bay take the lead and the victory.

Women’s Soccer

This weekend in Toro Sports

Women’s Soccer

The Toros begin conference action on the road against Cal Poly Pomona (1-4-1) Friday at 2:30 and at Cal State Los Angeles (3-2-1) Sunday at noon.

Men’s Soccer

The undefeated Toro men’s soccer squad, currently ranked seventh,m face their toughest tests yet on the road at 13th ranked Cal Poly Pomona (5-1-1) Friday at 7 p.m. and No. 1 ranked Cal State Los Angeles (6-0 Sunday at 7 p.m.

Volleyball

The 3-8 Toros, who haves already won more games this season than all of last season, host two tough teams: No. 23-ranked Cal Poly Pomona (10-1) at 7 p.m.; and No. 13Cal State San Bernardino (9-2) Saturday at 5 p.m.