The Cal Poly women’s soccer team kicked off its season with a lead foot in a non-conference match against Dayton University Friday evening as they lost 2-0.
The Mustangs kept control of the ball early on in the match and seemed to be on their way to a victory. A hand ball 10 minutes into the game diminished Poly’s momentum.
The lady Flyers were awarded a free kick for the Poly error.
Midfielder Kristen Persichini faked a kick seconds before midfielder Jerica DeWolfe blasted the ball from five yards beyond the top of the penalty box past Poly goalkeeper Alli Tramel into the lower right corner of the net.
Action stood at a standstill for the rest of the first half. Poly midfielder Erica Zumbahlen had two shots on goal while midfielder Kaleena Andruss and forwards Sharon Day and Ashle Vallis each had one. Poly had eight fouls at the end of the half while Dayton had four.
Seven minutes into the second half, Dayton cut into Poly morale again as forward Mandi Back scored off of a Tramel deflection.
Poly head coach Alex Crozier said his team did not pick it up until they were down and beforehand the Mustangs were too tentative in their attack.
Day had three shots on goal in the second half to no prevail. Dayton goalkeeper Niki Reed had to get down and dirty to keep Poly attempts from hitting net, but she was successful with 11 total saves.
“We have a lot of potential and a lot to work on also,” said Day after the loss.
Along with her increased shot attempts, Day also picked up a yellow card at the 80 minute mark.
Crozier said “The result is disappointing.”
The Mustangs met the following day to discuss areas of their game which need improvement.
“We need to do a better job taking care of the ball.we still have some work to do,” Crozier said.