It’s been a rough start to the season for Brahmas’ soccer as they headed into Tuesday’s game against Cerro Coso with an 0-2 record.
In their first two games, the Brahams scored three total goals while allowing nine. However, they turned it around, both offensively and defensively, by picking up a 6-0 win.
Head Coach Adolfo Perez talked about how hustle played a big role in their win.
“We’re not always going to play good,” Perez said. “You can always hustle, it doesn’t take talent to hustle and we’re trying to put emphasis on that.”
The first goal was scored by Yessina Marquez, via a free-kick from Diana Millan. Sofia Caparelli doubled the Brahmas’ lead in the 14th minute.
Marquez went on to score her brace five minutes before the half, being assisted by Caparelli.
Caparelli said it is her role to take the free and corner kicks.
“I’m in charge of that, it’s my goal,” Caparelli said. “My first choice is to get inside the goal, but if I see it’s too far or if I see it’s a weird angle, getting an assist is my first choice.”
Early in the second half, Millan showed she isn’t just a playmaker by scoring two goals.
Halle Manelili scored the sixth and final goal of the game for the Brahmas.
Perez had a game plan coming in that ended up being a big factor in the win, since Cerro Coso was playing with a shallow bench
“We definitely took advantage of that,” Perez said. “I subbed a lot more than I usually do to try to keep players as fresh as possible.”
Early in the second half, Perez gave his starting goalie an opportunity to rest, subbing in Freshman Bailey Swain until the end of the game.
Defender Jessica Palmer entered the game in the second half.
“I just want to be a good change for the team,” Palmer said.
Going into their next game, Caparelli hopes the team takes more than their hustle from tonight.
“The positivity. I feel like we have way more positivity on and off the field that’s definitely something, especially with the next opponent that we have,” Caparelli said.
The Brahmas face the Marauders of Antelope Valley College this Friday, Sept. 6. Kickoff is at 4 p.m.
