By Omar Hassoun
Staff Writer
The CSUDH women’s soccer team, as it has for most of this season, struggled offensively and fell 1-0 to California State University, Monterey Bay on Thursday.
The Toros had a total of 14 shots but none found the back of the net. Now sitting at 1-5-1 in the conference, the loss to the Otters typified what has been the Toros’ main challenge this season, according to head coach Marine Cano: offensive inconsistency.
“With the defense, we get our chances. But with everything we do [in offense] there is no finish,” said Cano, who returned this year with hopes to revamp the program since starting the women’s soccer team at CSUDH in 1984.
CSUMB grabbed the lead in the 36th minute when forward Alexis Hand scored as the ball dinged off the crossbar.
CSUDH midfielder Kelly Almazan had an opportunity to tie the score in the 70th minute with a penalty kick, but CSUMB senior Stephanie Busch blocked the shot and eventually recorded her fifth shutout this season in 12 outings.
“Right now, all the teams in the CCAA are stronger and quicker than us, so we always have to chase,” said Cano. “This is my year to revamp the program, we brought in three top recruits today and we are working on getting all of them to commit.”
Cano said he looks forward to making the necessary changes to get the program where it needs to be. Cano said he is going to do everything to improve the program, even if it means “changing everything from the letter A to the letter Z.”
“I keep trying to rotate to find someone who can break through, but it’s not here yet. But it’ll be here next year I guarantee it,” said Cano.
CSUDH looks to rebound tomorrow as it hosts California State University, East Bay, which is winless in conference action, at 2 p.m.
