California Baptist University
Cal State San Bernardino
Shootout Heartbreak
11/15/2013 7:44:00 AM | Women's Soccer
TURLOCK, Calif. --- California Baptist University already made history by being the first team to earn an automatic qualifier to the NCAA Division II tournament, but the Lancers wanted to leave more than just that legacy.
Despite creating dangerous opportunities to find the back of the net, the Lancers came up empty handed in regulation and overtime to head into a penalty-kick showdown with Cal State San Bernardino. The Coyote goalkeeper made a clutch save as her teammates finished all of their shots to take the 5-4 advantage in the shootout.
“We're really proud of the effort the team put forth,” said head coach Kristen St. Clair. “We played well enough to win, but unfortunately in soccer, sometimes it doesn't go your way.”
The Lancers finish the season with a 12-5-1 record as the result counts as a 0-0 draw with the Coyotes advancing with the penalty-kick win. CSUSB finishes 12-6-5 and continues on in the NCAA tournament, facing Cal State Stanislaus on Saturday at 1 p.m.
“We had a tremendous season and there's a lot to be proud of,” said St. Clair. “It's a hard loss for us to handle tonight, but it's been a tremendous season. I thought the players played great and it was unlucky to not get the result. We're very proud of the girls. They left everything on the field and that's all we can ask. It's been a great year. We accomplished a lot.”
Scoreless through the first 45 minutes, CBU turned up the pressure in the second half looking to break through the Coyote defense.
In the 64th minute off a corner kick, Kelly Jenks' header knocked off the crossbar and a scramble ensued. While CSUSB tried to clear the ball from danger, Lindsay Vesling sent a shot toward the goal, but a Coyote defender got in the way. The Lancers managed to get another shot off, but it was cleared off the line to keep the score at 0-0.
Neither team could break through the defensive walls, sending the game into extra time.
CSUSB fired off four shots in the first overtime period, but CBU was determined to find the golden goal. The Lancers came close in the last couple minutes of action, but Coyote goalkeeper Chelsey Jones made a diving save to keep the shutout and another team save sent the game into penalty kicks.
“We were unlucky with the post and a couple clearances off the line,” said St. Clair. “The girls had a tremendous effort, but have to credit CSUSB for executing.”
The Lancers got the first shot at the shootout and each team made the first three shots, before Jones blocked CBU's fourth attempt. Kellie Valverde made the game-winning penalty kick shot to lift the Coyotes in the shootout, 5-4, and move forward in their second NCAA post-season appearance.
While the penalty kick loss ends the inaugural journey for the Lancers, St. Clair is proud of her team's performance, especially five seniors who conclude their collegiate playing days.
“I'm proud of the seniors,” said St. Clair. “They did a tremendous job for us. They've had tremendous careers and I'm proud of what they've done. It was a great journey and great season.”
