Humboldt Women’s Soccer Upsets San Bernardino in Dramatic PK Win

UPDATE: In a nail-biting showdown that extended into the early hours of Monday, the No. 5 seed Cal Poly Humboldt women’s soccer team triumphed over No. 4 seed Cal State San Bernardino in the opening round of the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) tournament. After a scoreless regulation, the Jacks secured their victory with a thrilling 4-2 win in penalty kicks.

The hard-fought match kept fans on the edge of their seats as both teams struggled to find the back of the net. With 17 shots from Humboldt and 22 shots from San Bernardino, neither team could break the deadlock during regulation. This match showcased Humboldt’s strong defensive capabilities, which had previously led to a streak of six consecutive shutouts this season.

The Jacks now look ahead to a challenging matchup against defending national champions, Cal Poly Pomona, set for 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Humboldt’s current record stands at 6-5-8, with a 4-2-5 mark in the CCAA. “When you get to the playoffs, it’s going to be a battle,” said Humboldt head coach Grant Landy. “It’s going to be a grind.”

Throughout the match, the goalkeepers played crucial roles, with Humboldt’s Carson Thomson-Terrel and Ari Beddoes combining for seven saves. The Jacks’ offensive efforts were led by Karsyn Ross, who generated five scoring chances, while Frida Duran Arellano created three opportunities.

In the dramatic penalty shootout, Kyla Okamoto successfully converted the first kick for Humboldt, followed by successful attempts from Payton Heaney and Nicole Beauchemin. The Coyotes faltered on two attempts, and Alexis Blue sealed the Jacks’ advancement with her decisive kick.

After spending three weeks on the road, Humboldt is eager to face Pomona, a formidable opponent. “We’re trying to continue to play well and have a lot of confidence in what we’re doing,” Landy stated. “Pomona is the defending national champion, so we’ve got our work cut out for us, but we’re going to battle.”

This thrilling victory not only marks a significant moment for the Jacks but also sets the stage for an exciting showdown against one of the top teams in college soccer. Fans and supporters are encouraged to rally behind the team as they continue their quest for tournament glory.

For further updates on the upcoming match and the team’s journey, stay tuned.