College of the Sequoias' Brooke Navarette (18) in a game versus Merced College on October 11, 2024. (Photo Credit: Norma Foster / COS Athletics)

October 14, 2024

COS Women's Soccer Falls 2-0 to Merced

Merced

6-4-1, 4-1-1

Sequoias

3-4-4, 1-2-3

Final

Merced (6-4-1, 4-1-1)

Sequoias (3-4-4, 1-2-3)

VISALIA, CA – College of the Sequoias women's soccer team suffered a 2-0 defeat against Merced Blue Devils on Friday afternoon in a challenging Central Valley Conference matchup at Sequoias Stadium. The loss drops Sequoias to 3-4-4 overall and 1-2-3 in conference play, while the Blue Devils improves to 6-4-1 overall and 4-1-1 in the CVC.

The match remained scoreless through the first half as both teams struggled to generate clear chances. However, Merced broke the deadlock in the 67th minute when Stephany Martinez scored the opening goal, assisted by Sakino Momoi and Sunshine De Anda. Just six minutes later, Analiese Flores doubled Merced's lead, finding the back of the net after an assist from Martinez and Taylor Guzman.

Despite COS' best efforts, they were unable to make a comeback. Head coach Brooklyn Morris acknowledged her team's efforts but noted areas for improvement. "We played a strong first half defensively, but we lost our focus in key moments during the second half," said Morris. "We need to stay locked in for the full 90 minutes, especially against a strong team like Merced."

Goalkeeper Haylie Brasil (Manteca HS) was a standout performer for the Giants, recording nine saves to keep her team in the match. "Haylie [Brasil] was fantastic today, and her performance gave us a chance," Morris added. "We just need to work on capitalizing when we have the ball in the attacking third."

COS recorded 3 shots on goal, with Merced's defense standing firm throughout the match. Morris remains optimistic about her team's progress, stating, "We're still growing as a unit, and we'll learn from this game. We'll bounce back and be ready for the next match."

UP NEXT

College of the Sequoias will look to regroup as they prepare for their next conference match on Tuesday, October 15, when they travel to take to Clovis College at 4:00 PM.