A hot day caused a slow start for College of Marin Women's Soccer, but the team rallied behind sophomore Tatum Robach, who bagged two goals to help the Mariners grab a point in a 2-2 draw with Skyline College on Tuesday.
It was a good start to the season for the Mariners and Coach Andrew Jones who is beginning his second season in charge of the Women's Soccer Team. Coach Jones on his team, "Our coaching staff and student-athletes are very excited about the potential and opportunity for our team this upcoming season. Our group has worked very hard over the spring and summer, and we are all looking forward to our season."
The game started out in favor of Skyline as the visitors earned a free kick fifteen minutes into the match. Saida Velasquez-Moreno lofted a free kick out of the reach of the Mariners keeper and into the net to gift Skyline a 1-0 lead. The Trojans doubled their advantage ten minutes later as Maria Cazares fed Karla Romero who slotted home for a 2-0 advantage.
The Mariners were down but not out as Robach had a pair of excellent chances one on one with Skyline's keeper, Ashika Varma. Varma got the better of Robach twice in the first half with a two excellent point blank saves.
The first half ground to the finish as both teams were noticeably exhausted in the late afternoon sun. After the halftime break, much remained the same until the final ten minutes of the match. The well-conditioned Robach took control, by pouncing on a free ball into the box and hammering it home with seven minutes remaining. The Mariners trailed 2-1 until Robach again took the ball in the attacking third and lasered a shot past Varma to tie the game up at 2-2.
Time expired shortly after Tatum's second goal, and while Marin was unable to grab the victory, the late scores preserved a point for the Mariners.
Robach led the Mariners with four goals last season and is already halfway to matching her previous season's total after just a single match.
Coach Jones was effusive in his praise for several of his players including "Sophomore Ana Kravitz who is returning for her final season and will be cornerstone in the midfield for our team this season." He also mentioned newcomers "Liza Bernard and Bella Santia are ready to step in and make an immediate impact for our program this year. " and "Disa Johannson who has five years' experience playing for the top club in the area, Marin FC. Disa's soccer experience and ability to play every position on the field will allow her to play a key role on the team this season."
The returners and the freshman are sure to provide an entertaining and successful 2017 season.