BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA - Cal Poly and CSU Bakersfield battled to a 2-2 draw in an intense NCAA women's soccer match on Thursday evening. The result moved Cal Poly to 4-1-8 on the season while CSU Bakersfield's record shifted to 4-5-2.
In a match filled with momentum swings, both teams demonstrated their offensive capabilities. Farra Franklin put Cal Poly ahead in the 18th minute with a low strike to the center of the goal. The Roadrunners equalized through Sara Ybarra, who found the back of the net with a well-placed shot in the 36th minute.
The first half showcased aggressive play from both sides, with Cal Poly generating multiple scoring opportunities. Annika Smith tested the Roadrunners' defense with a shot in the 12th minute that went wide right. Brennan Cole followed with another attempt in the 15th minute that sailed high. CSU Bakersfield's Miah Thomas responded with a dangerous attempt in the 9th minute that struck the woodwork, highlighting the back-and-forth nature of the opening period.
The second half intensity increased immediately as Jessie Halladay created several chances for Cal Poly. CSU Bakersfield's goalkeeper Kamy Anaya made a crucial save in the 82nd minute on Madelyn Dougherty's low drive toward the left corner. The match saw significant tactical adjustments, with both teams making multiple substitutions to maintain pressure. Notable changes included Cal Poly bringing on Ava Mirelez in the 82nd minute to bolster their attack.
Final statistics reflected the evening's competitive balance. Cal Poly recorded 13 shot attempts to CSU Bakersfield's 12, with both teams managing 5 shots on target. The Roadrunners held a 6-2 advantage in corner kicks, while both teams recorded three saves. The physical nature of the match was evident with both sides receiving yellow cards - Miah Thomas for CSU Bakersfield in the 52nd minute and Lauren Collier for Cal Poly in the 71st minute.
Several players stood out individually throughout the match. Catalina Roggerone controlled the midfield for CSU Bakersfield, though she accumulated three fouls in her aggressive defensive effort. For Cal Poly, Sophia Minnite demonstrated creative playmaking, including a blocked shot attempt in the final minute of regulation. Both goalkeepers - Kamy Anaya for CSU Bakersfield and Cal Poly's keeper - maintained composure under pressure with three saves each.
The tactical approach from both teams emphasized wing play and quick transitions. CSU Bakersfield utilized Natalie O'Sullivan's speed on the flanks, while Cal Poly countered through Jessie Halladay's persistent attacking runs. The teams' willingness to press high created numerous turnovers in the middle third, leading to quick counterattacking opportunities.
This result maintains Cal Poly's unbeaten streak, following recent victories over UC San Diego and UC Davis. For CSU Bakersfield, the draw represents a solid road point against a strong conference opponent, though it extends their winless run to two matches after their loss to UC Irvine.
Looking ahead, Cal Poly will travel to face Hawaii on October 10th, while CSU Bakersfield faces a quick turnaround with an away match at UC Santa Barbara on October 5th. Both teams showed enough quality in this match to suggest they'll remain competitive in upcoming conference fixtures.