The Central California HEAT had been smokin’ hot for the past month. Since starting Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) season 0 – 2, the team had reeled off four victories in five matches, including a season sweep over the formidable California Storm.
The hot streak had moved them into first place in the Pacific – North Division going into the weekend. But the North Bay FC Wave have been rolling lately as well, only losing once the entire season. On Friday, the team defeated the San Francisco Nighthawks 2-0 behind two goals by Harvard-bound Emily Mosbacher. That moved the Wave into a virtual tie for first place and set up a Sunday showdown with the HEAT.
The HEAT came into the match well prepared, highly disciplined and determined. The team brought high pressure right from the start and maintained it throughout the match. But the Wave was up to the challenge, scoring once in each half to win 2-0 and retain their hold on first place along with the California Storm, who have played one more game than the Wave.
“I’m very proud of the way the players battled today,” said Luis Quezada, head coach of the Wave. “The team has really come together at the right time. Everybody was playing for one another. Even under the Heat’s tenacious attack, the women stayed organized and composed, and played beautiful, possession soccer.”
The Wave were outstanding at both ends of the pitch. Offensively, North Bay outshot the Central California Heat 12 – 1 in the first half and 18 – 2 overall. In the 13th minute, HEAT goalkeeper Kelsey Quintos came up with one of several spectacular saves that kept her team close — tipping a shot by Cal’s Taylor Comeau off the crossbar. But Comeau kept attacking from her midfield position, and in the 21st minute, her run up the left sideline — eluding three or four HEAT players along the way — and her lovely cross led to the Wave’s first goal by Jordan Carlberg. In the second half, both defenses were solid, and neither team could muster a consistent attack. But finally in the 81st minute, the Wave got an insurance goal off two pinpoint passes by Comeau and North Carolina’s Darcy McFarlane, and a laser finish by Katie Knopp from 15 yards out in the left side of the box.
To their credit, the HEAT never let up, moving forward relentlessly until the final whistle. But they had trouble penetrating the Pacific – North’s top defense led by Jessica Ingram and Hayley Abbott, with UCLA rising sophomore and U.S. U-18 Women’s National Team member, Katelyn Rowland, in the net.
“The HEAT is an outstanding team,” Quezada remarked. “We are well aware that the HEAT — along with the Breeze and Storm, which we finish with next weekend, and the West Coast Wildkatz — all remain in the tight race for first place and a berth in the regional playoffs in San Diego on July 21st and 22nd. 2012 has been a great season for the WPSL’s Pacific – North.”
Again this season, the five home games for the Wave benefited a variety of community organizations in the North Bay. The Wave thanks its generous sponsors for supporting team operations so all game proceeds can go to the local organizations. Sponsors include Wells Fargo Bank, Morton & Bassett Spices, All Season Soccer, Blake’s Auto Body, Marin Auto Glass, Brandon Tire, Sport and Spine Therapy of Marin, ECCOgen Card, E-Pix, Cork Pops, Live Water Surf Shop, Fearless Fitness, and Ross Valley CrossFit.
