HAYWARD, Calif. - No. 1 Cal Poly Pomona improved to 7-0 overall with a 1-0 victory over Cal State East Bay on Sunday. This win, the Broncos' final non-conference matchup of the season, ties the best start in program history.
The Broncos controlled much of the game early, creating multiple chances and applying constant pressure. Their breakthrough came just over ten minutes in, when
Marisa Salazar buried a second-chance opportunity in the 11th minute for her fourth goal of the season. Salazar's relentless attacking effort saw her take seven shots, four of them on goal, and she continued to be a threat throughout the match.
Despite the early lead, the Broncos were unable to add to their tally. In the 31st minute, Salazar had a chance to double the lead from the penalty spot, but her attempt missed just wide. As the game progressed, it became more physical, with fouls and stoppages slowing the tempo in the second half.
The Pioneers refused to back down, especially after the break. Cal State East Bay fired off nine shots in the second half, many of which came in a tense final 20 minutes. But
Jenna Tetrault was locked in between the posts, delivering a career-high eight saves to preserve the shutout.
"It was definitely an intense game, especially towards the end of the second half," said Tetrault. "But I had full faith in my back line to keep it at 0 goals conceded. I kept reminding myself as the game went on to play smart and safe and have the girls' backs as they have mine. It definitely felt great to walk away with a shutout knowing this was an important game setting the tone for conference."
Tetrault's back line, including veterans
Georgia Rink,
Mikaela Marr, and
Liberty Ortiz, held firm under pressure, with Rink also adding an offensive presence and logging a shot on goal. "East Bay are a good opponent for us," said Rink. "We missed a few opportunities to put the game away early, and the second half was scrappy. Excited to play them again and make more of a statement."
While the Broncos couldn't stretch the lead, they created enough chances to keep East Bay on the defensive.
Morgan Huff had four shots, two on frame, while
Vanessa Cruz contributed three shots with two on target. In total, Cal Poly Pomona fired 18 shots (9 on goal), compared to 11 shots (8 on goal) from CSUEB.
Despite missed chances, CPP's depth and defense shone through, securing their third shutout in seven games with Tetrault keeping a clean sheet. Now undefeated, the Broncos turn their focus to conference play.
Up Next:
The Broncos open CCAA play at Cal State Monterey Bay on Friday, September 3
rd at 4:30 PM in Seaside, Calif.
Bronco Bits:
- Jay Mason is now 89-48-23 as the head coach of the Broncos
- The Broncos are 20-6-4 all time against Cal State East Bay
- No. 1 Cal Poly Pomona improved to 7-0 overall, tying the best start in program history
- Cal Poly Pomona outshot Cal State East Bay 18 to 11, with 9 shots on goal to 8
- The Broncos are 2 wins away from 400 program wins
- Jay Mason is 3 CCAA wins away from 50 CCAA wins as the head coach of the Broncos
- Marisa Salazar is 3 goals and 6 points away from entering the record book
