POMONA, Calif. – The Cal State East Bay women's soccer team battled one of the nations top teams to the wire but came up just short Sunday afternoon, falling 1–0 on the road at No. 3 Cal Poly Pomona. The Pioneers' defense, anchored by senior goalkeeper Natalie Hassmann, kept the match within reach throughout but ultimately fell to 5-8-2 overall and 3-4-1 in CCAA play with the loss.
Pomona broke through in the 20th minute when Vanessa Cruz buried a shot from outside the box off an assist from Braedyn Kincade. That would prove to be the game's only goal as Hassmann was excellent in net, recording a season-high 10 saves. The Pioneers faced 22 total shots but stayed composed defensively, weathering seven corner kicks and limiting Pomona to one goal despite the heavy attack.
Offensively, East Bay found some room in the second half, generating five total shots — all on target. Mika Sayfurahman led the way with four shots, each forcing a save from CPP goalkeeper Jenna Tetrault, while Lillian Morris added another in the 59th minute.
The Pioneers will look to rebound next Friday when they take on San Francisco State on the road before returning home on Sunday to take on Chico State.
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