Martinez Nets Lone Goal in Second Half for the Win

In a tightly contested match, the Golden West College Rustlers secured a 1-0 victory over the Fullerton College Hornets, earning their second conference win of the season. The match remained scoreless through the first half, with both teams struggling to convert their chances, but a decisive goal in the second half propelled the Rustlers to victory.

Locked in a defensive battle throughout the game each team limited each other's scoring opportunities. Golden West dominated possession, outshooting Fullerton 22-6, but Fullerton's goalkeeper Kyra Mangini stood strong, recording three saves to keep the game level deep into the second half.

The breakthrough came in the 77th minute when Clarissa Martinez capitalized on a perfectly timed pass from Olivia Villalba. Martinez's finish from close range marked the only goal of the match, giving the Rustlers a 1-0 lead they would not relinquish.

On the defensive side, Golden West's goalkeeper Sierra Carter was outstanding, making six saves to keep Fullerton off the scoreboard. The Rustlers' backline also stayed alert, containing Fullerton's few attacking efforts, with forward Amyhra Umar's four attempts off-target being the Hornets' only meaningful threat.

Golden West improves to 4-6-1 on the season and 2-4 in conference play. Fullerton, now 1-9-2 overall and 1-5 in the conference. 

NEXT: The Rustlers will host Irvine Valley College at 3pm on Tuesday October 22.