ROHNERT PARK, Calif. - In a brilliant showing, Cecilia Sifuentes notched two goals on her 22nd birthday to lead Sonoma State to a 5-0 rout of UC Santa Cruz—the Seawolves' eighth victory of the season.
When asked about her two-goal performance, Sifuentes was quick to acknowledge the work of her teammates around her.
"I know I got two goals today, but other players got three goals and we [all] were definitely able to contribute to the game."
The senior defender opened the game, scoring in the 22nd minute of play off a Sara Van Wagoner corner kick. The ball headed straight for a leaping Bella Amyx, whose jump was just short to head the ball on goal. Sifuentes—who stood right behind her—redirected the ball to near post, and knocked in her second goal of the season.
20 minutes later the Seawolves struck for another goal, this time off the boot of Riley West. From 25 yards out, West smashed a ball top shelf, through traffic, for her first of the season.
Sifuentes notched her second goal of the match in the 49th minute, this time pushing SSU's lead to 3-0 over the Banana Slugs. With a rush down the right sideline, Holle Depina maneuvered her way through defenders before laying off a perfect pass in front of goal. Sifuentes waited at the other end of the six-yard box where she easily one-timed the ball into the back of the net.
Sonoma State added on in the 56th minute, scoring twice in a 37 second span. Kristyn Lerma scored the first, sinking a ball mishandled by keeper Alie Mandel from the six, before Sara Van Wagoner dropped a floater into the net for her third goal of the season.
After playing six games in the last two weeks, the Seawolves take a much-earned week off from play before hosting Stanislaus State at Seawolf Soccer Field September 29th at 12:30pm PT.
"We're going to have some fun this weekend, but also work hard," Sifuentes said. "It's all about the team, being with the team and trying to stay focused for the next week."
