Road trips to Yuba can be long and arduous, but grabbing a road win makes the trip back all the more sweet. The Mariners rallied twice from one goal deficits to grab a 3-2 victory. It was the first conference win of the year and second overall win on the season for College of Marin.
Yuba was the more aggressive side at the start with several menacing opportunities. The 49ers struck early, taking a 1-0 lead in the first half. They had an opportunity to double the lead as they drew a penalty just before halftime. Marin goalie William Finnie made an excellent save to deny the Yuba penalty taker and preserve the single goal deficit at halftime.
The second half saw College of Marin go on the offensive with menacing premise. In the 62nd minute Henry Mata found Cesar Ramirez with a cross. Ramirez's shot hit the post which rebounded right to William Connelly who coolly finished to tie the game at a goal each. The tie was short lived as Yuba scored again on a counter attack to retake the lead 2-1.
The Mariners showed their mettle in the final ten minutes of the match, a trait that had been lacking in previous games. In the 81st minute Cesar Ramirez was brought down in the box, granting a penalty shot for Marin. Francesco Coccaro calmly beat the keeper to bring the score to 2-2. Not content with a tie, the Mariners kept the pressure up and took the lead in the 85th minute courtesy of a first time volley from Jesus Villeda from 35 yards out that lofted the Yuba keeper. The Mariners held their ground for the final five minutes and earned their first conference victory of the season.
It was a victory to relish for Coach Jake Morrison "Both teams executed their game plan very well and were able to capitalize on some breakdowns. In the end we fought hard to come back twice and level things and then get rewarded for a solid performance." He was pleased with his team's resiliency despite trailing twice in the match, "This a good response to a tough loss in our opening conference game. We needed to correct a few things and we brought good energy and positive mentality to this match. We stayed composed throughout and showed a strong desire to win as a team."
Coccaro scored his team leading fifth goal of the season, while Connelly and Villeda's goals were their firsts of the year. Finnie made six saves in goal for College of Marin, including a penalty save. Marin is currently tied for third place in the Bay Valley Conference with a 1-1 record.
The Mariners next match is Friday as they host Napa College at 2pm on October 7th.