ARCATA, Calif. – Cal Poly Humboldt women's soccer fought a fierce battle but came up just short in a 3-2 loss to Cal State San Marcos on Sunday at College Creek Field. The 'Jacks took an early lead in front of a huge home crowd but were unable to maintain momentum as the Cougars responded with timely goals.

"Despite the result we made a step in the right direction today with our mentality and fight," stated head coach Grant Landy. "There's a lot of games left so we need to keep pushing forward and see if we can get some points on the road next week."

Sophomore forward Mari Ige got the 'Jacks on the board early, scoring her team-leading third goal of the season just 1:54 into the match. Ige's goal was set up by an assist from Emilie Wallin on a corner kick. However, Cal State San Marcos found an answer in the 26th minute when Natalie Paulson netted her first goal of the year, assisted by Natalia Huntington.

The teams went into halftime tied 1-1, but the Cougars quickly gained control after the break. Huntington, this time the scorer, capitalized in the 49th minute with a go-ahead goal off an assist from Nani Kia'aina. Humboldt did not back down, as freshman Heidie Munoz equalized with her second goal of the season in the 55th minute, with Camryn Patten playing the ball up field and assisting on the play.

The match remained tight until the 79th minute, when Danielle Paulson secured the victory for San Marcos with her third goal of the season, assisted by Charlotte Leite. Despite late pressure from the 'Jacks, they were unable to find another equalizer.

Cal Poly Humboldt (3-5-1, 0-2-0 CCAA) was held to just three shots on the day, all of which were on target, compared to 14 shots (10 on goal) by Cal State San Marcos (4-2-3, 1-1-0 CCAA). Humboldt goalkeeper Carson Thomson-Terrel was kept busy, making seven saves to keep the match within reach. 

The 'Jacks will look to regroup as they continue CCAA play next weekend on the road.

Match Statistics
- Shots on Goal: San Marcos 10, Humboldt 3  
- Saves: San Marcos 1, Humboldt 7  
- Corner Kicks: San Marcos 9, Humboldt 5  
- Fouls: San Marcos 5, Humboldt 3  

Scoring Summary:
- 01:54 – Humboldt – Mari Ige (3), Assist: Emilie Wallin  
- 25:43 – San Marcos – Natalie Paulson (1), Assist: Natalia Huntington  
- 48:11 – San Marcos – Natalia Huntington (1), Assist: Nani Kia'aina  
- 54:18 – Humboldt – Heidie Munoz (2), Assist: Camryn Patten  
- 78:26 – San Marcos – Danielle Paulson (3), Assist: Charlotte Leite  

The 'Jacks also signed post game autographs for Youth Soccer Day and welcomed Mad River Youth Soccer, Eel River Youth Soccer, Humboldt Youth Soccer, Emerald FC, and Sequoia FC to College Creek Field, putting the facility nearly at full capacity. 

Looking Ahead
Humboldt will travel to SoCal next week to face Cal State Dominguez Hills (3-3-2, 1-0-1 CCAA) on Friday at 7:00 PM and Cal State LA (5-0-3, 2-0-0 CCAA) on Sunday at 2:00 PM. For more information on Cal Poly Humboldt Women's Soccer, please visit humboldtathletics.com, download our mobile app, and follow us on all social media platforms.