The energy was high Saturday night at Sanguinetti Field as 750 fans packed St. Mary’s High School to welcome Stockton Cargo SC back home for its USL W League home opener.
The Cargo gave the hometown crowd plenty to cheer about, battling San Juan SC to a 1-1 draw and opening the season with back-to-back ties by the same score.
San Juan SC struck first in the 12th minute when Rhea Moore, a former Dallas Trinity FC forward from the USL Gainbridge Super League, found the back of the net to give the visitors an early 1-0 lead. Both teams created chances throughout the first half, but San Juan carried the one-goal advantage into the break.
Stockton answered in the 52nd minute when Hannah Diaz scored off an assist from Angelica Claiborne, bringing the crowd to life and evening the match at 1-1. The goal was Diaz’s first of the season and the 13th of her Cargo career, adding to her place as one of the club’s all-time goal scorers.
The Cargo nearly delivered a dramatic finish in the final minute after being awarded a penalty kick, but San Juan goalkeeper Mackenzie Titus came up with the save to preserve the draw.
Stockton goalkeeper Braidlynn Mott also turned in another strong performance in her second consecutive start, finishing with eight saves. Through the first two matches of the season, Mott is allowing just one goal per game.
The Cargo will now head back on the road for a rematch against San Juan SC on Wednesday, May 27, at 7 p.m. Stockton returns home Saturday, May 30, for a matchup against Pleasanton Rage SC at 7 p.m. at Sanguinetti Field at St. Mary’s High School.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for ages 16 and under and can be purchased at www.stocktonsc.com.
Final Score:
Stockton Cargo SC 1 — Hannah Diaz 52’
San Juan SC 1 — Rhea Moore 12’
Attendance: 750