HAYWARD, Calif. - Cal State East Bay women's soccer team clawed back from a two-goal deficit to secure a 2-2 draw against (RV) Cal State San Marcos on Saturday night. The non-conference match, held at Pioneer Stadium, served as a fitting backdrop for Senior Night celebrations that honored 11 players.

The match began with the Cougars asserting their dominance. In the 24th minute, Danielle Paulson broke the deadlock, capitalizing on a free kick from Natalie Paulson to give Cal State San Marcos a 1-0 lead.

The visitors doubled their advantage shortly after halftime when Isabelle Walsh found the back of the net in the 49th minute, assisted by Kayla Knoob.

With their backs against the wall, the Pioneers refused to surrender. The comeback ignited in the 54th minute when Cal State East Bay was awarded a penalty kick. Mika Sayfurahman stepped up to the spot, converting the kick for her fourth goal of the season and injecting new life into the home team.

As the clock ticked down, tension mounted in Pioneer Stadium. With less than two minutes remaining, Sayfurahman emerged as the hero once again. She unleashed a spectacular shot that nestled into the upper right corner of the net, leveling the score at 2-2.
 

• Sayfurahman has now scored in four consecutive matches, with her pair of goals on Saturday bringing her season tally to five goals. Sayfurahman's three shots led the team, as the Pioneers edged out their opponents with an 8-7 shot advantage.
• Other notable contributions came from Morgan Pearson, who registered two shots.
• Goalkeeper Ashley Levi, making her season debut in net, entered the match for the second half and was credited with preserving the tie.

Before the match, Cal State East Bay honored 11 seniors in a ceremony including Ashley Levi, Mika Sayfurahman, Madison Dong, Jazlyn Castillo, Gabriella Rodil, Evelyn Gomez, Annette Medina, Abigail Kern, Lexie Randolph, Kylie Newman, and Jenna Villanueva. 

Cal State East Bay head coach Anne Whipple following the Pioneers' comeback:
"I'm proud of our group and their gritty performance against a solid San Marcos side. Great response in the second half – they implemented our tactical changes well and found a way to get back in the game."

Cal State East Bay: 4-2-1
Cal State San Marcos: 3-1-3

CCAA action officially starts on Friday, October 4 when the Pioneers play a road match at Cal Poly Humboldt. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. from College Creek Field in Arcata, California.