It took just a single moment of brilliance for Marin to capture Friday's match against the Los Medanos College Mustangs. Deidre Hyde's individual effort resulted in the lone goal of Marin's 1-0 victory. The freshman raced down the right flank, passing defenders at will, and used a single touch to dispatch the final Los Medanos player. Hyde used the space to unleash a shot from a tight angle that zoomed over the keeper and into the far side netting for a Mariners lead. The defense held strong, and even an epic amount of stoppage time would not halt Marin from tasting victory.
The match began with Marin on the defensive, Los Medanos was the more aggressive and technical side to start as they had a pair of decent chances in the first 15 minutes of play. The visitors managed two shots on target, but Mariners' keeper Vanessa Miller did well to keep them out of the net.
It Marin's turn to have shot on goal next. In the 25th minute an excellent diagonal run by Jurany Pohl put her in on goal from the right wing. Her shot was deflected wide for a corner by the Los Medanos keeper. The subsequent set piece was easily handled by the Mustangs defense as the Mariners' attack went for naught.
The first 15 minutes of the second half was uneventful until Hyde delivered her game winning goal. After she put the team up 1-0 it became a frantic game from both teams.
Los Medanos ratcheted up their offensive intensity and the Mariners' defense stepped up to match it. Bodies flew around the field as several players on both teams suffered injuries that required stoppage and treatment.
As a result, the final third minutes of the match lasted almost an hour. The visitors from Los Medanos struggled to create many opportunities, but they did manage one powerful shot from the top of the box from left to right. The curling ball was destined for the net, but fortunately it was directed right into the arms of Miller for the save.
It was almost dark by the time the final whistle blew. The win was Marin's sixth straight and improved their record to 8-6-2 overall and 7-2-1 in Bay Valley Conference play. It was Los Medanos first blemish in conference play and Hyde's goal, the only one the Mustangs have allowed in conference competition.
Hyde's goal was her ninth of the season, three off the team record of 12 set last season. Miller recorded a shutout with six saves.
Marin has two games remaining in the regular season, at home against Yuba College on November 6th and on the road at Merritt College on Friday, November 9th.
