It has been a trying year for COM Men's Soccer, for every step forward they've had a few steps backward. Friday's game against Napa Valley College was a sideways step if there was one. The Mariners played very well against a quality opponent but were unable to get the victory. Napa Valley College scored early in both halves while the Mariners managed a single goal on the afternoon in a 2-1 home loss.
The game got off to the worst start possible for College of Marin as their first attack was countered beautifully by Napa Valley. The Marin shot was easily handled by the Napa keeper who booted the ball 60 yards down the field. It was received by a Napa forward who chipped the Marin goalie for a 1-0 lead within the first 60 seconds of play.
Despite the early score, Marin was the better team for the first 20 minutes of play. They were eventually rewarded with a foul on the edge of the box that was ruled a penalty to the Mariners. Joseph Ndungu strode to the penalty spot and converted low and right to tie the game up a 1-1. The team's entered the halftime break tied a single goal apiece. Neither team truly looked to be the dominant side in the first 45 minutes of play.
The second half began rather slowly but picked up the pace after roughly 20 minutes of play. A cross into the box by Napa Valley, was not cleared cleanly by the Mariners and it was knocked in by a Napa attacker. Trailing 2-1 the Mariners did their best to rally, but could not get the game tying goal.
The Mariners record fell to 2-8-3 on the season and 1-5-1 in Bay Valley Conference play. Joseph Ndungu scored his third goal of the season to tie for the team lead. Colin Sneddon had eight saves on the afternoon for Marin.
"I thought we played well enough to get a result today," Said Coach Mike Crivello, "In the end we came up short but I have seen steady improvement, and hope we can end on a good note over the last three games."
The Mariners host Yuba College at 2pm on Tuesday, October 31st.