The battle for second place went to the home team on Friday as the visiting Mariners were thwarted by the Los Medanos Mustangs in a game that could ultimately decide who takes second place in the Bay Valley Conference. Coming off their most impressive performance of the season against Solano, the Mariners were unable to muster any offense on the road in Pittsburg. The game appeared destined for a nil-nil draw until Los Medanos' Sydney Torrano scored in the 85th minute for the Mustangs.
The Mariners lacked several key players due to injury for the match. Starting midfielder Christine Wilhoyte was unavailable as was outside back Lauren Timmons. The troops that did make the trip did an admirable job on the defensive end, keeping Los Medanos from finding much in the attacking third of the field. On the offensive end, the Mariners struggled to find a rhythm as they lost possession multiple times in the midfield. They managed just two shots in the first half, one off target by Tatum Robach and one by Bella Santia that was saved by the Mustangs keeper.
The second half was much like the first, and has the half dragged on, neither rteam looked like they would break the deadlock. Robach and Liza Bernard each had a decent chance at a goal, but could not hit the target. Finally, in the 85th minute Mustang's Emma Spears fed Torrano in the box, who beat Mariners keeper Shanan Daly for the goal and a 1-0 lead. The Mariners could not counter and fell 1-0 to Los Medanos.
The loss dropped the Mariners record to 6-4-4 overall and 3-3-2 in Bay Valley Conference competition. Next up for the Mariners is a three-game week against Merritt, Contra Costa and Mendocino on October 30th, 31st and November 3rd.