The Mariners offense has been rather bipolar in recent games, after scoring thrice at Yuba on Tuesday, they were held scoreless on Friday at home against Napa. The visiting Napa Valley College held a large advantage in possession which gave them ample opportunities to score against Marin. The result was a 3-0 loss in Kentfield.
From the outset Napa controlled ball, with several lengthy spells in College of Marin's defensive third. Mariner goalkeeper William Finnie did an excellent job to repel the onslaught but he was beaten for the first time in the thirtieth minute by Napa's Abu Kamara off of a counter attack from the left flank. Napa doubled their lead eight minutes later as Jason Martinez-Reyno beat Finnie to push their lead to 2-0.
The Mariners began the second half with newfound resolve, looking to take the game to Napa. The Marin attack was almost immediately rewarded, drawing a foul in the box and setting up a penalty for Francesco Coccaro. His shot went high and to the right sailing over the bar, and denying the Mariners a chance to cut the Napa lead in half. Napa pounced on the opportunity and added a third in the 75th minute with a close range header from Shawn Aguigui off a corner. College of Marin had a few minor chances but could not put the ball in the back of the net.
The 3-0 final score in favor of Napa pushed them to the top of the conference standings with a 2-0-1 record, while the loss dropped Marin to fifth with a 1-2 record in conference play.
Despite allowing three goals, William Finnie did an excellent job in goal, including a sprawling dive to his left to keep Napa off the board early. He made 12 saves as Napa had 15 shots on goal and 21 overall. The 12 saves matched a season high for Finnie.
College of Marin's next match is Tuesday, October 11th as they host Contra Costa College at 4:00PM.