Academia SC-May 222025

By Thea Lowenberg

FINAL SCORE: Pleasanton RAGE 2 , Academica Soccer Club 1

Academic Soccer Field: Pleasanton RAGE played a strong first game away from home against Academica Soccer Club. They struck first and held their lead well once it was regained. They outshot and won the majority of possession and struggled against AC, earning RAGE their first win of the 2025 USL W League season. 

COACH’S QUOTE: 

“Tactically, the girls executed the game plan well. We controlled key areas of the pitch and created enough chances to extend the lead. While we could’ve been more clinical in front of goal, our shape and discipline were excellent, especially late on. A strong performance and a valuable three points away from home,” said Sarah Fawcett. 

HOW IT HAPPENED: 

  • Pleasanton RAGE played their first game of the 2025 season on May 22nd, 2025. They were away at Academica field. 
  • Number 5, Jenna Mcdonnell, for Pleasanton had the first shot for both teams from the right side of the field, it went far left and over the goal. 
  • RAGE scored from a brilliant pass from Number 8, Marta Pelegrin, to number 9, Alejandra Melendez. She shot a high arching ball that flew into the goal. 1-0 RAGE
  • Sydney Head had a great save on the shot by Academica Soccer Club’s number 5, Kayla Umana. She caught it out of the air. 
  • Unfortunately, Number 9, Kyndra Obermeyer on Academica Soccer Club maneuvered around RAGE number 11, Madison Chavez,  and sniped a left footed shot that grazed the Brown’s fingertips before landing in the back of the net. The score was tied at 1-1. 
  • AC’s goal put some fight into the RAGE as they started to win one-on-ones and get shooting opportunities. 
  • Number 15, Trinidad Quiroz, was awarded a penalty kick after being tripped in the box. She shot it to the left middle of the net for the goal. 2-1 RAGE. 
  • The RAGE ended the half with a clear from right in front of their goal, preventing Academica Soccer Club from tying going into the second. They had the most possessions and shots between the teams at the half. There was a lot of back and forth between the teams and the ball stayed mostly around the middle. The RAGE fought hard, trying to switch the ball into the open space. Many of the balls were in the air, testing their ball control. The score at the half was 2-1. 
  • The RAGE came into the second half on fire. Immediately after kickoff, they brought the ball down into Academica’s side with a long ball. It forced the goalie out of the net to nab it. 
  • At 8:32, RAGE Marta Pelegrin took a corner kick. The ball was wide, landing on the back of the net. 
  • The second half was passionate with the RAGE fighting to keep their lead. The one-on-ones were intense and more physical than the first half. 
  • At 22:35, the second half was still scoreless. RAGE was taking every opportunity with many of the shots taken under the pressure of multiple defenders. AC Goalie also had several very impressive saves. 
  • AC number 16 was given a yellow card at 25:37 for tripping number 15, Trinidad Quiroz. The foul occurred right outside the box and the free kick was taken by the captain, Marta Pelegrin. Her shot went high over the net. 
  • Yellow card was given to AC number 11 at 33:11 for pushing RAGE number 6 from behind. The score is still 2-1 RAGE. 
  • Only 2 minutes later, at 35:55, another yellow card was given to RAGE number 13, Elise Ziem, for pushing AC number 12, Zusette Rueda Zamora from behind. 
  • At 40:49, a RAGE corner kick was taken by Marta Pelegrin. She passed it short to Alejandra Menedez for a one-two pass turned shot on goal. This resulted in a handball by RAGE 23, Sophia Canepa, leading to a turnover. 
  • The remaining 8 minutes of the half saw the ball in the middle of the field and AC unable to regain attacking power to try to tie the game. Once again, RAGE had a strong half with the majority of the shots and possession minutes between the two teams. The final score of the game was 2-1 Pleasanton RAGE. 

UP NEXT: 

Following the match at Academica Soccer Field, Pleasanton RAGE returns home for a matchup against the Marine FC Sirens on Tuesday, May 27th from Stanford Medicine Sports Complex. The game is scheduled for 7:00 PM and can be found live at SportsEngine Play. May 27th is Fan Fest Night. There will be food trucks, raffles, and other festivities before the game, starting at 5:00 PM, and the game kicks off at 7:00 PM.