ARCATA — In its first game of the season, Humboldt State has already shown a vast improvement from last year, outshooting Cal Poly Pomona 22-to-11. Despite getting more chances on offense, the Jacks couldn't find the back of the net, ultimately falling 0-2 to the visiting Broncos.

With the loss, the Jacks start the season 0-1 in both their overall and California Collegiate Athletic Association records. The Broncos improve to an even 2-2 overall, 1-2 in conference play.

"I'm obviously disappointed with the result, but I can't be upset with our play," said head coach CJ Johnson. "I think there were moments of brilliance, as far as ball possession and ball movement. I don't know when the last time we doubled the other team in shots happened. Last year, we would have never had double-digit shots."

Johnson was a little concerned with how his team would start the match since the Jacks haven't gotten a chance to get the first-game jitters out of the way.

"It's game number one for us, while it's CPP's fourth game, plus some scrimmages," said Johnson. "I expected the girls to have jitters in the first 20 minutes, but I think they worked their way through it. I was really happy with the last 25 minutes of the first half."

Cal Poly Pomona capitalized quickly in the sixth minute of play. Kristi Susca took the ball to the end line and slotted the ball across the top of the 6-yard box where Veronica Ramos easily placed it into the back of the net to put the Broncos up 1-0.

"I thought our defense handled themselves well," said Johnson. "Goal number one was a little bit of a defensive breakdown. It was unfortunate. I don't think we expected that combination to happen."

The Jacks had an opportunity to tie the game in the 23rd minute when Savannah Havranek slipped a ball through for Lizzie Mitchell to run onto. Mitchell found herself with just the Bronco's goalkeeper, Sarah Rohman, to beat, but her shot ricocheted off the nearside post. Colette Behen took a chance on the rebound, but was slightly off target as the ball rolled just wide of the far post.

"It's good to finally see everything we've worked on for a full year, as far as runs and not feeling as if they have to be in the box to get a shot off, is paying off," said Johnson. "It's exciting to see. I also thought the midfield did a good job staying connected and had some good creativity."

With 15 minutes left before halftime, Carly Kolpin collected the ball out of scramble in front of the Broncos' goal and laid it off to Behen. Behen couldn't get a foot on it and chased it down to get a cross off. Havranek connected on the other end of the cross, but sent her shot sailing over the top of the goal.

Three minutes later, Behen was taken down just outside of the 18-yard box. Behen sent the free kick across the goal, finidng Terri Tigert's foot. Tigert's well-struck shot was heading for the goal, but a Bronco defender stepped in front to block the shot.

Behen had another chance right before halftime, displaying fancy footwork to beat her defender, but once again just missed the goal to send the Jacks into halftime down 1-0.

Determined to get a goal, Humboldt State kept the attack up and had multiple chances to start the second half, but Rohman and her team were there to keep her net untouched. Behen came up with the ball after another scramble in the Broncos' box and took a shot off that was blocked by a CPP defender. Havranek collected the rebound and tried to get a shot off, but Rohman smothered the shot off her foot to deny the Jacks once again.

Cal Poly Pomona found the back of the net in the 61st minute, taking advantage of the Jacks' young defense. Angela Garcia stripped the Humboldt State defense of the ball and passed a well-weighted through ball for Samantha Stiles to run onto. Jennie Paugh came off her line to try to cut down the angle, but Stiles dribbled around Paugh to score the Broncos' insurance goal.

"The second goal really was a result of an offensive breakdown," said Johnson. "There should have been some communication to release the ball and send it forward instead of trying to possess out of the back since we really didn't have the numbers. That's where the breakdown started."

In the 67th minute, Behen got a good look on frame, but unfortunately for the Jacks, found the crossbar instead of the back of the net.

Desperation kicked in for Humboldt State as the clock continued to wind down and the Jacks still hadn't gotten on the scoreboard. With under nine minutes to play, Karley Pate and Kolpin combined give-and-go passing to create another scoring opportunity. Pate crossed the ball to Behen, but Rohman made a point-blank save to preserve the shutout for the Broncos. Pate took a last-second shot, hoping to find the Jacks' first goal of the season, but missed just left of the goal. 

"Tactically speaking, in a number of areas on the field I think we showed a huge improvement from last season so there's nothing to hold our head down," said Johnson. "I know they're all disappointed, but I hope they leave proud of the way they played in their first game."