The College of Marin Men's Soccer team opened the season against Cañada College on Tuesday, September 1st, with a hardworking effort that ultimately fell short after ninety minutes of play.
A pair of goals in quick succession gave Cañada College an early 2-0 lead as Zachary Gaspar found the back of the net in the 13th minute followed by Omar Ramirez in the 19th. Despite the two first half goals, College of Marin goalkeeper Joey Ledezma had five saves and stopped a number of one on one attacks from Cañada College. The Mariners cut the Cañada lead in half in the 37th minute as sophomore Julien Melendez slotted home a pass from freshman Henry Mata Gonzalez to cut the margin to a single goal.
The second half started out well as Edward Rodas moved from central defense to the attacking midfield. Melendez and Rodas combined well to produce no less than five scoring opportunities in open play from a number of counter attacks. Unfortunately they could not get the equalizer. Cañada's Alexander Mellado put the game out of reach with his team's third goal in the 71st minute, the final contribution to a 3-1 scoreline.
Despite the loss Coach Chris King was upbeat about the first game of the season. "The first game essentially had some really good moments, fitness wasn't right there, working through formations and personal we had some really nice moments we'll be able to build on. It was a good step in the right direction and where we need to build to. There some clear things that need improvement, our fitness, understanding of set pieces and overall team chemistry, but I was very encouraged by our fight through the game.
The Mariners travel to Chabot College on Friday, September 4th before their first home match of the season against Butte College of September 8th at 2PM.