vs. Monterey Bay

June 27th, 2026

By Mary DeMartini

FINAL SCORE: Pleasanton RAGE 2, Monterey Bay Sirens 3

Cardinale Stadium: RAGE narrowly lost to Sirens, the Northern Division Champions in their final match of the season. Although Sirens had an early lead, RAGE fought back and played a very close match. This was also the first match for Erikka Flores, a 15 year old goalkeeper and youngest player on RAGE. Coach Sarah Fawcett celebrated her athletes by giving them Team of the Match honors for their performance, and thanked all the amazing athletes who contributed to the team this summer. 

COACH’S QUOTE:

“Playing in the atmosphere at Monterey Bay Sirens is never easy,” Sarah Fawcett said. “The environment is incredible, and it can be challenging to block out the noise and stay focused, especially when you go down 2-0 early. I was extremely proud of the response from the team. We made a quick formation adjustment, settled into the game, and showed the character and belief we have built throughout the season. To fight back and make it 2-2, then take control of the game and create chances to win it, showed the growth of this group. While the result didn’t go our way, the performance and the way we competed was something to be proud of. Finishing the season with a 3-2 loss in that atmosphere, against a strong opponent, showed exactly who we are as a team. I could not be prouder of this group and everything they have achieved this season.”

First Half:

  • 2:45 – Sirens won an early corner kick, and headed in the first goal of the match.
  • 10:30 – Flores made her first save of the season.
  • 12:30 – Sirens scored their second goal of the match on a penalty kick. 
  • Sirens continued to control possession and kick several more shots on goal through the 25th minute. RAGE defense and midfield had several possessions but struggled to move the ball upfield. 
  • 26:50 – Goal scored by Marta Pelegrin! Pelegrin was assisted by Ashleigh Carroll. 
  • 29:30 – A Sirens counterattack was stopped with a great defensive save by Ava Steven.
  • As the half continued, RAGE still faced offensive pressure from Sirens but created several opportunities of their own, with a shot by Carroll and a corner in the 43rd minute.

RAGE and Sirens played an exciting half, scoring 3 goals within the first 30 minutes. Sirens completely controlled the attack in the beginning of the half, but after the opening 20 minutes RAGE found their footing. RAGE did a good job of staying in the game while getting used to new players and a changing formation, and had several shots and corners. 

Second Half:

  • 45:50 – RAGE entered the second half strongly with a corner and a shot by Lauren Collier.
  • 49:40 – Goal scored by Carrol after beating two Sirens defenders, tying the match!
  • RAGE continued to press Siren defense with a close shot by Addison Posey and a corner. 
  • 56:00 – Sirens responded with three consecutive corners, although none led to shots on goal. 
  • 64:10 – Sirens goal, putting them back in the lead. 
  • RAGE responded well with another close shot by Posey in the 66th minute, and two corners soon after.
  • 88:00 – RAGE earned a free kick from far outside the goal box. Nicole Kim delivered a dangerous shot, narrowly missing the right upper corner of the goal. 

RAGE matched the Sirens during the second half of their meeting, with each team scoring one goal. The teams split possession and both had many goal scoring opportunities. Although Sirens were slated as the best team in the division, RAGE proved that they could compete until the final whistle.