ARCATA, Calif. -- The Cal Poly Humboldt women's soccer team kicked off their 2024 preseason with an exhibition match against Oregon Tech at home on Thursday. The match ended in a 0-0 tie. Freshman forward Nicole Beauchemin led the team with two shots on goal.
"Defensively I thought we were very solid today, only giving up two shots," said head coach Grant Landy. "It was nice to see that continuity after only five practices."
The first half of the game saw most of the action concentrated in the midfield, with both teams trying to find a rhythm offensively to mount attacks. While the 'Jacks and the Owls held their ground defensively, neither team was threatening to score early on.
As the half continued, Humboldt started to put together some promising attacks, but the Oregon Tech keeper made two saves from three Lumberjack attempts. Humboldt's junior goalkeeper, Carson Thomson-Terell, held down the fort in the first half, making one save from the lone Owls' shot. Sophomore Adea Nunes took over the goalkeeping duties for Humboldt in the second half.
The 'Jacks came close to breaking the deadlock almost 15 minutes into the second half when freshman Heidie Munoz maneuvered around the Owls' defense to set up sophomore midfielder Mari Ige. However, Ige's shot hit the side of the net, just missing putting the 'Jacks on top.
Landy stated, "We are integrating quite a few attacking players so that side off the ball always takes some time. I thought our freshman who played today competed very well."
Humboldt earned two corner kicks and a free kick within a few minutes of each other later in the second half, but couldn't find the back of the net with their chances. With roughly six minutes left in the match, Nunes made an amazing save, stretching out to prevent what could have been the game-winning goal for Oregon Tech.
Cal Poly Humboldt will host another exhibition match from College Creek Field this Saturday against Southern Oregon University at 2 p.m.
