Pleasanton RAGE vs California Storm

June 10th, 2026

By Mary DeMartini

FINAL SCORE: Pleasanton RAGE 2, California Storm 1

Stanford Medicine Sports Complex: In their first win of the season, RAGE took down the No.1-ranked team in the NorCal Division, California Storm. RAGE played in an aggressive 3-5-2 formation, and controlled the ball in Storm territory for the majority of the match. Ashleigh Carroll won Player of the Match, scoring the first goal of the match, assisting the second goal, and recording several other shots. 

COACHES QUOTE:

“Everything came together last night, and I could not be prouder of this team,” Fawcett said.

“From the patience and composure in our attack that led to the goal, to the discipline, organization, and commitment in our defending, it was a truly outstanding team performance. What makes me most proud is the growth this group has shown. Every player bought into the game plan, worked for each other, and executed with confidence. We have set a standard for ourselves and, more importantly, we have set the tone for the season. Now it’s about building on this performance and continuing to raise the bar every time we step onto the field.”

HOW IT HAPPENED:

First Half:

• • RAGE began their 6th match of the season strong, with a shot by Marta Pelegrin and Carroll in the first minute. 
  •  5:11 – First RAGE corner of the night.
  • RAGE continued to control the ball for the first 20 minutes of the match, creating shots by Kate Canepa and Rylan Park. Daniela Aceves-Murillo blocked several breakaways by Storm, passing the ball up to the RAGE offense to maintain control. 
  • 19:00 – First shot by Storm, saved by Head, with possession going back to RAGE.
  • 35:30 – RAGE goal! Carroll scored the first goal of the match in a 1v1 with Storm defense, assisted with a through ball from Addison Posey.
  • 39:00 – Storm fired back with a close shot missing on the left side. 
  • 42:45 – Sydney Head saved 2 back-to-back shots by Storm.

RAGE entered halftime in a leading position for the first time this season. The halftime score also marked the first time that Storm trailed a match all year. RAGE did a great job of slowing down play and controlling the ball, allowing for very few shot attempts by Storm.. While Storm struggled early in the match, they gained their footing later on, setting up a competitive finish to the half. 

Second Half: 

• • 47:20 – Storm got out strong, forcing Head’s first save of the half. 
  • Possession between RAGE and Storm became much more even, with Storm aggressively pressing the ball. 
  • 54:18 – Grace Sykes recorded a close shot on goal, saved by the Storm goalie on the right side. RAGE also earned 2 corners in the 58th minute.
  • 60:43 – Second goal for RAGE! Pelegrin was assisted by Carroll on a breakaway play. Pelegrin outmaneuvered 2 defenders on her way to the goal.
  • Following Pelegrin’s goal, RAGE moved to a more defensive formation. Storm earned longer possessions but struggled with getting shots inside the goal box. 
  • 83:50 – Storm scores their sole goal of the night in the left pocket. 
  • 90:00 – A deep goal kick by Head coupled with key clearing passes by Park and Aceves- Murillo helped to wind the clock down in stoppage before Storm could score an equalizing goal. 

By the second half, Storm was beginning to match RAGE’s intensity, but ultimately they could not come back from their one-goal deficit. RAGE played a tight game, connecting on passes, forcing errors from Storm, and creating many goal scoring opportunities. New additions of Addison Park and Maylen Montoya to the starting lineup may have contributed to improved RAGE communication throughout the match.