California Baptist University
1-1-0, 0-0-0
#23 USC
1-0-1, 0-0-0
CBU Battles #23 USC on Sunday Evening
8/18/2024 10:45:00 PM | Women's Soccer
RIVERSIDE--- The California Baptist Women's Soccer team closed out its opening week on Sunday night as they welcomed #23 USC to CBU Soccer Stadium. The Lancers ultimately fell to the Power 4 squad after an early goal from the Trojans secured the 1-0 win for USC's first win of the 2024 season. CBU drops to 1-1-0 in the early season, while USC improves to a 1-0-1 overall record.
The Trojans came out from the first whistle with a strong attack, lacing 14 shots through the first 45. After finding the back of CBU's net in the 11th minute, Lancer goalkeeper Mikayla O'Brien staved off the USC attack and solidified a second-half shutout with the help of an impressive backline. Jana Heinen, Summer Allen, Rainie Clark, and Mia Scranton were phenomenal on defense for the Lancers against the #23 ranked squad, highlighted by a goal-line save from Allen to keep CBU within one of the away team.
Summer Allen with a #ESPNTop10Play to keep us in the game against #23 USC👏#LanceUp⚔️ pic.twitter.com/BDZF47o5Wc
— California Baptist Women's Soccer (@CBUwsoccer) August 19, 2024
After a quiet first half for the Navy and Gold offense, CBU found a groove and totaled five shots in the second half against the Trojans with nine overall. The Lancers also forced four corner kicks in the last 45 for four opportunities to tie the match, but ultimately, the Sunday game went the visitor's way.
" I'm proud of our team's response in the second half," remarked Head Coach Kristen St. Clair. "We did a better job keeping the ball, created quality chances. I really thought we were going to find the equalizer with the momentum we created second half. Credit their keeper for making some big saves,".
The physical match proved more competitive towards the end of the second half, with both squads sporting ten fouls and a yellow card each. Ava Westlund held her own in the final third of the field against the Trojans and totaled three shots with two on frame to lead the Lancers offensively.
St. Clair continued, "I thought our defense was outstanding. With shots on goal being eight to five, we did well to limit our opponents quality chances. We'll take the lessons learned in this game and go back to training on Tuesday to prepare for our next opponent".
California Baptist will head to Colorado as they face Air Force and Colorado State next week in its first business trip of the 2024 season. The Lancers will return to Riverside on August 29th as they welcome San Jose State. Tickets can be purchased here.
Team Stats
Maile Hayes (2)
Assisted By: Faith George , Aaliyah Farmer
GOAL by USC Hayes, Maile Assist by George, Faith and Farmer, Aaliyah.
10:29
