California Baptist University
3-0-1, 1-0-0
Dixie State
0-3-1, 0-1-0
Lancers Open WAC Play With 2-1 Win Over Dixie State
2/18/2021 7:55:00 PM | Women's Soccer
IRVINE --- California Baptist University women's soccer team kicked off Western Athletic Conference play in style Thursday afternoon, as the Lancers beat the Trailblazers of Dixie State, 2-1.
It was a showcase of an old rivalry, as the Lancers and Trailblazers' history dates back to the 2006 season when the two teams first met on the pitch. The Lancers started the series with the Trailblazers on quite the winning streak, winning the first eight matchups between the two teams. Dixie State got the better half of the Lancers in the 2015 and 2016 seasons, capturing wins in Riverside and St. George, Utah. The Lancers snapped the two-game skid against the Trailblazers on Sept. 30, 2017, in a 4-1 win on the road.
After three seasons, the two teams are renewing their familiarity with each other, as Dixie State joined the Western Athletic Conference for the 2020-21 season. The Lancers start conference play at 1-0 and 3-0-1 on the year, while the Trailblazers fall to 0-3-1 on the season and 0-1 in the WAC. It also gives the Lancers a 10-2 advantage in the series matchup.
Despite missing eight key players to safety measures, the Lancers were on the attack early, pressuring the Trailblazers' backline. The game opened up with a couple of quick shots from the Lancers, but Dixie State's Hollee Herick was up for the challenge, coming up with big saves in the net for the Trailblazers.
After back-and-forth gameplay for possession, both teams were unsuccessful in the first half, going into the break scoreless. The Lancers held an 8-3 advantage on shots.
The Lancers wasted no time getting familiar with the second half as the ball was played forward on the opening kick.
Rola Badawiya beat her defender and created space just outside the box, slipping a pass to Amy Aquino with a defender on her hip. Aquino took the pass and moved to her left, squaring up to the net and firing a shot low to the right corner of the net for the game's first goal. It took the Lancers exactly 15 seconds to score the game's first goal in the second half.
That's how you open up the second half! #LanceUp⚔ pic.twitter.com/pnh0j9Eimx
— CBU Women's Soccer (@CBUwsoccer) February 18, 2021
The Trailblazers wouldn't go down without a fight, though, responding with a goal of their own three minutes later.
It was a standstill after the 1-1 tie, as both teams continued to apply pressure on each other.
It wasn't until the 72nd minute when the Lancers were able to break through the Trailblazers' backline. The attack started after Jayden Ramirez fired a shot that was blocked by a defender. The rebound came to Makayla Soll, who put another shot up for the Lancers, but it ricocheted off another Trailblazer defender to the left side. Madison Sonerholm controlled the ball and put a cross into the box, finding McKenzie Davis, who tapped in the shot with her left foot for the go-ahead goal. The goal by Davis marked her first of her collegiate career
What a sequence by the Lancers! #LanceUp⚔ pic.twitter.com/EII7SAG3P6
— CBU Women's Soccer (@CBUwsoccer) February 18, 2021
After that, it was an all-out effort, as the Lancers' defense stayed true for the final 18 minutes to give the Lancers a 2-1 advantage.
Romy Salvador played all 90 minutes between the sticks and recorded three saves – none bigger than her first save of the day at the 14th minute.
WHAT. A. SAVE.
— CBU Women's Soccer (@CBUwsoccer) February 18, 2021
Romy Salvador is unreal! #LanceUp⚔ pic.twitter.com/U6hFUn9srE
Badawiya led the Lancers' offensive attack with five shots, four on goal.
"We're very proud of the team's gritty performance today," said head coach Kristen St. Clair. "Unfortunately, we are a bit shorthanded due to safety measures, but I thought our team handled the adversity well. This was an opportunity for other players to step up, and they certainly did that. Two clutch goals by Amy and McKenzie. Our backline was solid, and Romy was fantastic in goal, coming up with big-time saves for us."
UP NEXT:
The Lancers finish the two-game series against Dixie State on Saturday, Feb. 20, with the final game at 2:30 p.m.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Don't forget to follow @CBUwsoccer on Twitter and Instagram to keep up to date with the season.
Team Stats
Amy Aquino (2)
Assisted By: Rola Badawiya
GOAL by CBU Aquino, Amy Assist by Badawiya, Rola.
45:17
Kelsey Cook (1)
Assisted By: Whitley Griffiths
GOAL by DSU Cook, Kelsey Assist by Griffiths, Whitley.
48:39
McKenzie Davis (1)
Assisted By: Madison Sonerholm
GOAL by CBU Davis, McKenzie Assist by Sonerholm, Madison.
71:49
