The College of Marin Men’s Soccer hosted Skyline College on Friday, September 18th.
The soccer team started the season with a very difficult schedule including games against Santa Rosa Junior College, Fresno City College and West Valley College. Despite beginning the season on a losing streak, the Mariners have continued to fight on. Skyline College proved a formidable opponent, winning by the final score of 2-0 however, College of Marin was the dominant side for much of the game.
Both teams opened the match aggressively, throwing several men forward looking for the opening goal. Skyline College used controlled buildup with several pinpoint passes to get an early shot on goal. Joey Ledesma earned the starting assignment in goal for Marin with teammate Colin Sneddon sidelined. Ledezma made a pair of excellent saves in the first five minutes of the match.
The Mariners answered Skyline’s attacks with a fast paced counter attack as Julien Melendez and Schyler Baxter outpaced the back peddling Skyline defenders to force an acrobatic save from Skyline keeper James Brignoli.
Skyline found the breakthrough in the 17th minute, as Michael Wheaton slotted home off a pass from Juan Basulto. The Mariners rebounded quickly with a strong shot on goal by Melendez that was parried by the Skyline keeper. At half time Skyline led 1-0. The second half played much like the end of the first with several chances by both teams. Marin had three separate chances but failed to find the back of the net. While they created several opportunities in the attacking third, the final touch eluded the College of Marin team. Just five minutes from time Skyline doubled their advantage with a goal from Javier Villalvazo.
Despite the 2-0 loss, Ledezma saved six shots and the Mariners put six shots on target. There were several strong stretches of play where Marin was the superior team.
The Mariners seek their first win of the season on the road at De Anza on Tuesday, September 22nd.
Video of the game is available here.