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Santa Rosa Junior College Athletics

Bear Cubs Edge Out Win in Final Minutes Over Undefeated City College of SF

Mar Alinas has scored 3 goals in the first 4 games of the season.
Mar Alinas has scored 3 goals in the first 4 games of the season.

The Bear Cubs faced the City College of San Francisco Rams on Friday, adding an important win to their record. The Rams started the scoring off with a quick goal, 8 minutes into the match. The right defender, Cassie Stansberry, received a pass off a direct kick, making a long, uncontested run from the half line, taking on goalkeeper Jayci Mariani, who made the first save, but could not hold on to the ball, allowing Stansberry to follow up and find the back of the net.

Each team had several quality chances in the first half, with both keepers making big saves. The Rams led the half 1-0.

The Bear Cubs came out with more energy and higher pressure in the second half. Freshman, Julia Lambert, was fouled just outside of the box, after making a dangerous run in behind CCSF's center defenders. Freshman, Natalia Picano, took the free quick in her first appearance this season for the Bear Cubs, narrowly missing the back post. Minutes later, sophomore Kayleen Belda, made a similar run into the penalty area, taking the Ram's goalkeeper on. Belda was fouled and awarded a penalty kick, which she converted, tying the game 1-1 with 15 minutes left in the match.

The Bear Cubs continued to press the Ram's defense, despite the heat, creating a goal scoring opportunity in the 88th minute. Central midfielder, Mar Alinas (pictured), followed the play into the Ram's penalty area. Lambert took a player on 1v1 in the box, creating small passing lane to find an attacking Alinas 12 yards out. Alinas blasted the ball past the Ram's goalkeeper, scoring the eventual game winner and making the match 2-1 in favor of the Bear Cubs.

"The result could have gone either way. Both team's had their chances and made adjustments. This was a quality match played by two quality teams. Our heart and commitment came through in the end – they battled and walked away with a great win under their belts. This helps build confidence into our final two preseason matches," says Coach Hamm.

This match is the Bear Cubs first 'come-from-behind' victory this season and Alinas' 3rd goal of the season in just 4 games.