Alex Crozier’s final season as head coach of the Cal Poly women’s soccer team began with a 1-1 tie against the University of Portland Pilots.
The Pilots (0-0-1) visited Mustang Memorial Field for the first time after playing their previous four games against the Mustangs (0-0-1).
The match was physical all evening, and referee Eder Alvarez largely allowed the game to continue despite occasional protests from both sides.
Experienced midfielder McKenna Carbon received a yellow card in the 24th minute after two fouls on Pilot players.
After being stuck in the third period early in the game, Cal Poly got a goal in the 34th minute from veteran striker Emily Nedom.
Portland’s two goal scorers from last year’s 2-0 loss, Sophia Mattice and Nedya Sawan, have graduated, meaning any response from the Pilots will have to come from somewhere else.
This happened four minutes after half-time when Cally Togiai headed the ball over Mackenzie Samuel and into the net.
Portland nearly scored a potential winner in the 80th minute, but was denied by Samuel and the back of new defender Lilly Cole.
Neither team could make much impact in the final 10 minutes and the game ended in a 1-1 draw.
Cal Poly used reigning West Coast Conference Goalie of the Year Bre Norris, who had seven shots on goal.
The women’s soccer team will remain home for their next game, facing the Fresno State Bulldogs at Mustang Memorial Field on Sunday, August 16 at 12:00 p.m.
