By Alizah Salazar & Viri Garcia Gallardo, Staff Reporters
The stadium showdown against CSU-San Bernardino at Dignity Health Sports Park on Oct. 17 may have ended in draws for Toro men’s and women’s soccer teams, but there was still plenty to celebrate before and after the games.
The afternoon started with Brooke Bailey, the sister of senior midfielder-forward Lauryn Bailey, rendering the U.S. national anthem. The College of the Canyons sophomore told The Bulletin she was excited to perform at the game.
“I always try to support [Lauryn], both on and off the field,” Bailey said.
Before kickoff, Toro student-athletes took the field to thank some of their favorite CSUDH professors—a show of gratitude that surprised some faculty members.
“I am completely honored,” said accounting professor Erwin Walker, who sophomore defender Emma Arkus recognized. “I didn’t know someone in my class would honor me this way.”
Biology professor Gwen Anctil was visibly moved after being recognized by sophomore midfielder Cynthia Ramirez and three other students. “I will cry,” Anctil said.
The game between the Toro women and CSU-San Bernardino was intense. The Coyotes struck first in the 41st minute off a penalty kick by junior forward Emma Frausto. The Toros would respond in the 70th minute when sophomore defender Kaila Tone scored off another penalty kick.
The game ended in a 1-1 tie. Senior midfielder Fatima Arnold lauded the Toro Nation for its support, saying fans’ encouragement was essential to the outcome.
“Hearing the crowd cheer after every play pushed us,” Arnold said. “Like [head coach Adriana Valdez Lopez] always says, penalties can win or lose games. Luckily, we capitalized on one, and it made a difference.”
Valdez Lopez praised the Toros’ offense, noting that her team did a “great job” against the Coyotes’ gameplay. Still, she said, “there’s always room for improvement.”
“Our possessions can always improve, and we focus on the little details, like minimizing dangerous set pieces,” Valdez Lopez explained.
The Toro men displayed similar grit afterward during their game. Despite trailing the Coyotes 2-0 for most of the first half, the Toros responded in the 32nd minute when Senior captain Michael McKibbin found the back of the net. Freshman forward Gavin Brummer scored just before halftime to bring the score to 2-2.
The Coyotes regained the lead in the second half, but junior midfielder Christian Briseno answered back with 10 minutes remaining in the game. McKibbin said he was satisfied with the match’s outcome.
“To fight back three times and get the tie, I think, is a good result for us,” McKibbin said. “We did a good job, not panicking down two goals … we all regrouped, relaxed, even when things were against us.”
Men’s head coach Eddie Soto praised his players for their tenacity but said they missed vital opportunities.“We hit the post twice at the end and cleared one off the line,” Soto explained, adding that he has high hopes for the remainder of the season.
“We’ve had some injuries, but we’re getting guys healthy again. Now is the time we need to start separating ourselves.”
