Fresno City College managed to hold on to the number one ranking after a 1-1 tie against the Lake Tahoe Community College Coyotes on Friday, Sept. 20. 

“We are honored to be ranked however it’s just a ranking. We need to keep improving so we can be ranked #1 at the end of the season,” said head coach Oliver Germond. 

The Rams knew going into Friday’s matchup that it wasn’t going to be easy with Lake Tahoe currently holding onto the number two ranking in the CCCSIA.  

“I thought it was good to be tested against such a high level team,” Germond said. 

Both teams were challenging the others offensive and defensive strategies throughout the entire match, working the ball in all areas of the pitch throughout.

“I thought Tahoe defended us well and challenged our defense at times. We needed a game at that level so we can learn more about our team,” Germond said.

Early in the first half, Coyotes’ forward Alexandra Trinidad managed to break past the Rams’ defense earning a goal. 

In the 35th minute of the match Rams’ Midfielder Sierra Alvarez broke past the Coyotes’ goalie tying up the match. The goal was the second of Alvarez’s season.

“We learn a lot more about our needs when we play high level competitions. We still need to improve around the goal. I felt we created enough chances to win but didn’t get a second goal,”
Germond said.

The Rams’ offense challenged the Coyotes goalies, getting off six shots on goal, forcing five saves by freshman Coyote goalkeeper Madeline Smith.

The Rams defensively held strong, allowing only three shots on goal, with the lone Coyote goal being allowed by freshman goalkeeper Callie Thiesen in the 14th minute of the first half.

“I thought we fought hard as a team and proud of our progress but hope we don’t settle and keep improving,” Germond said.

The Rams return home to face the West Valley Vikings on Sept. 27 at 4 p.m. at the FCC soccer field.