Costa Mesa -- Vanguard University women's soccer got back in the win column Saturday against San Diego Christian. Snapping a two-game losing streak, the Lions had two goals in the first half and one in the second to take a 3-0 victory over the Hawks. VU improves to 5-8-1 overall and 2-5 in the Golden State Athletic Conference. SDCC falls to 2-10 overall and 1-6 in the GSAC.
What Happened? Senior day celebrated eight graduating seniors and one senior who missed the celebrations last year, with the families and friends being able to enjoy the celebrations in person this season. With the festivities a grand success, the Lions quickly turned their emotions to the game and found immediate results. After Ayanna Suarez (SR/Indio, CA) got her shot blocked, VU reloaded in the midfield. A good pass into the box was tipped by Marielisa Hallam (SR/Corona, CA) and rolled to Emily Miramontes (SR/Fullerton, CA). The senior made a little juke move to open up the shooting lane, finishing with a quality shot into the back of the net. Up 1-0 in the third minute, VU kept up the pressure over the next few minutes.
Miramontes sent a shot over the net a few minutes later, as did Hallam. Allie Griffith (SR/Aliso Viejo, CA) tried a shot from just outside the box, but her shot was blocked. Suarez and Hallam unloaded chances just shy of the 20th minute, but neither could find the frame. Chances slightly dried up from there but did not mean that VU let up, as the Lions were efficient in their pressure and possession, limiting San Diego Christian to only a few opportunities to come forward.
Despite the half slowing some, VU found the perfect way to bookend the period. Advancing up the field, a cross came into the box and Payton Siurek (JR/Temecula, CA) got the first touch with her head. She flipped it back into the air and the ball hung in the sky until Jillian Juarez (JR/Glendora, CA) got the next header, bouncing the ball perfectly over the SDCC goalie and into the net to put Vanguard ahead 2-0 in the 42nd minute. With time running out on the half a couple of minutes later, VU gladly took their lead into halftime. The Lions outshot the Hawks 9-2 in the half.
Ashley Levi (FR/Brentwood, CA) did not have to make a save in the first half and Jayleen Casillas (SO/Victorville, CA) took her place in goal for the second half, and she only had to make one easy save over the next 45 minutes. The Blue and Gold continued to dominate possession and territory as the second half got underway. Four shots by VU over the first eight minutes put the Hawks to the test but neither Suarez, Hallam, or Miramontes could pocket another goal.
Just past the hour mark, Vanguard got a corner kick and Hallam teed the ball up. Going with the wind, Hallam got the perfect stroke and between the bend she put on the ball and the wind, the corner kick curved perfectly into the side netting to put the Lions ahead 3-0 on a spectacular goal from #39 in the 62nd minute.
It could have been 4-0 later in the game, as Avery Collins (SO/Bakersfield, CA) got played in behind the SDCC backline, but the Hawk goalie came out to challenge her and it did enough to force her shot just wide of the net. The Lions did not produce another goal, but they put their foot down and continued to control the contest until the final whistle blew.
The 3-0 victory saw Vanguard outshoot the Hawks 9-2 in each half, for an 18-4 shot advantage and a 6-1 edge in shots on goal. The Lions also took 10 corner kicks to two for San Diego Christian. Hallam led the team with six shots with two on goal, Suarez had four shots, and Miramontes had three shots and two on goal.
Why is it Important? Vanguard improves to 23-2 against the Hawks all-time. The Lions have also shut out SDCC in eight straight games and have outscored the Hawks 31-0 over that time.
What was said? Head Coach Lauren Mascaro said, "What a way to celebrate our seniors! We got off to a strong start with an early goal and maintained consistent pressure and intensity for the full 90 minutes. Some beautiful finishes and a number of others that should've or could've gone in as well, but, nevertheless, a great victory today."
What's next? Vanguard will play their final regular-season home game next Thursday, October 28. The Hope Royals will take on the Lions at 1 p.m., with the team wearing pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
