Pleasanton RAGE vs Oakland Soul

 

RAGE welcomed fans for their inaugural match and Fan Fest last night.

By Mary DeMartini

FINAL SCORE: Pleasanton RAGE 0, Oakland Soul 1

Stanford Medicine Sports Complex: RAGE had standout defensive performances by Sydney Head, Ava Steven, and Daniela Aceves Murillo, but its offense struggled to maintain possession in Soul territory. Both teams played a physical match, with eight fouls called on RAGE and nine on Soul. 

COACH’S QUOTE:

“Considering this was our first game of the season against Oakland Soul’s fourth, I’m proud of the way the group competed,” said Sarah Fawcett. “We did not get the result we wanted, but we showed great discipline defensively and held off a very strong side until the final minutes. There are a lot of positives to build from, especially with our organization and work rate, but we know we need to be more of a threat in the attack as we move forward.”

HOW IT HAPPENED: 

First Half: 

  • RAGE’s home opener kicked off with a cross by Grace Sykes and quick possession changes between Soul and RAGE.
  • 7:00 – Soul shot their first of 10 corner kicks, all of which were deflected by RAGE defense or saved by Head.
  • 25:50 – Rylan Park recorded the first RAGE shot on goal. 
  • Several breakaways, shots, and corners by Soul in the middle of the half, stopped by great plays from Head, Steven, and Aceves Murillo. 
  • 37:00 – Shot by Jenna McDonnell.  
  • 44:20 – Park recorded another shot on goal, narrowly missing on the right goalpost.

The first half was punctuated by great offensive opportunities for RAGE in the beginning and end of the period, with Soul controlling the ball in between. Although Soul had 6 corner kicks and many other offensive opportunities, great defensive plays allowed the half to end scoreless. 

Second Half: 

  • The second half began with an immediate corner kick for Soul and two saves by Head. 
  • 51:44 – RAGE earned its first corner kick, saved by Soul defense.
  • 57:00 – RAGE recorded another shot on goal by Katherine Tato.
  • Throughout the next 10 minutes, Head had several more impressive saves, as Soul put more and more pressure on RAGE defense. Aceves Murillo and Steven also made key stops on Soul breakaways. 
  • 71:40 – Head saved another Soul shot, closely following two other shots which narrowly missed on the left and right side.
  • 73:50 – Marjan Haydaree recorded two shots soon after entering the match, leading to a second corner kick for RAGE.
  • RAGE earned a third corner kick at 77:50, losing possession soon after due to an offside call. 
  • 80:00 – Abby Nelson recorded the match’s sole goal for Soul.
  • For the remainder of the match, the ball largely remained on RAGE’s side, with Soul not allowing any deep runs that could lead to a tying goal.

Despite 14 shots by Soul throughout the match, RAGE defense was able to keep the match tied until the 80th minute. RAGE also maintained a stronger offensive presence compared to the first half, recording three corner kicks and several shots.