Giants Fall to Rams in Conference Opener at Home
VISALIA, Calif. – College of the Sequoias women's soccer opened Central Valley Conference play Friday afternoon with a 4-0 home loss to Fresno City College at Sequoias Stadium.
The Giants (1-4-1, 0-1 CVC), led by a nine-save performance from standout goalkeeper Haylie Brasil (Manteca HS), showed grit and determination despite Fresno converting on its key chances.
Fresno (4-2, 2-0 CVC) struck quickly and often in the first half, netting three goals in the opening 30 minutes. The Rams capitalized on an early turnover in the 14th minute. Just five minutes later, the Rams were able to score their second goal. In the 28th minute, Fresno took a 3-0 lead at the break.
The Giants made adjustments at halftime and limited opportunities in the second half, but Fresno added one final goal in the 65th minute.
The Giants were unable to earn a corner until late in the game. Fresno outshot COS, though the scoreline didn't reflect the tenacity shown by the Giants' backline, including efforts from defenders Clarissa Diaz (Mt. Whitney HS) and Addison Dennewitz (Golden West HS).
"Fresno is a very talented, well-coached team, and they capitalized on our mistakes," said head coach Brooklyn Morris. "But we know there's room for improvement. We've got to tighten up defensively, be more physical, and approach every minute with intensity."
Midfielders Morgan Escobar (Tulare Western HS), Ashley Rodríguez (Porterville HS), and Mia Newlin-Gonzales (Highland HS) tried to generate movement in the middle of the pitch but were often denied space by a physical Fresno side.
Goalkeeper Haylie Brasil continued her standout sophomore campaign with several diving saves that prevented the deficit from growing further, earning praise from the coaching staff for her leadership and poise.
Upcoming Matches
College of the Sequoias continues Central Valley Conference play next week with two key matchups. The Giants will take a three-game road stand before returning home, as they travel to Merced on Tuesday, September 23 at 4:00 p.m. and Reedley Friday, September 26 at 6:00 p.m. They will then travel to Clovis on Tuesday, September 30 at 4:00 p.m., before returning home on Friday, October 3, when they host Taft College at 12:00 p.m. The Men's will host Clovis College at 3:00 p.m. the same day. COS will look to regroup and earn its first conference win of the season.
