The last two remaining undefeated teams in the CAL finished
their game Wednesday in a tie
Santa Cruz – In a game that pitted the last two undefeated teams in the Coastal Athletic League, Anzar and Pacific Collegiate had one of the more appropriate outcomes Wednesday in girls soccer: a 2-2 tie.
“Just as we suspected, Pacific Collegiate was the game to gear up for,” coach Deric McLean said. “It was a joy to watch and a nail-biter from beginning to end.”
The tie puts Anzar at 5-0-1 in the CAL, 6-2-1 overall. For Pacific Collegiate, they move to 4-0-1 in the league.
Considering both teams have mowed down their opponents in the early season, the pressure will likely build to remain undefeated until the end of the year. On Feb. 7, which is the season finale for both teams, Anzar and Pacific Collegiate will meet up again for the second time.
On Wednesday, the Hawks trailed the Pumas 1-0 going into halftime, but Olivia Austin managed to tie the game on an assist from Alex Brown early in the second stanza.
Anzar then took the lead with 10 minutes remaining when Brianna McCain scored on a pass from Jocelyn Sicairos.
Pacific Collegiate, however, pocketed the tying goal late in the second half on a disputed goal that many believed never crossed the line.
Nonetheless, the top two teams in the CAL finished the game knotted 2-2, and both will retain their respective places in the standings.
Erin Deleissegues had five saves for Anzar.
“The momentum shifted more times than you can imagine and the game never lost its speed,” McLean said. “The freshmen stepped up big time in this one with Jocelyn (Sicairos) and Brianna (McCain) playing their best games of the season. They were definitely two of the best players on the pitch.”
McLean added that Pacific Collegiate sought to control Anzar’s Olivia Austin with a “very skilled center mid.” But the Hawks’ leading scorer still managed to find the back of the net.
Anzar will return to the pitch Friday at Soledad. Kick-off is at 3:30 p.m.
