COSTA MESA -- The final game for women's soccer took place Thursday afternoon, as the team hosted the Hope International Royals. Vanguard played a strong game and controlled many phases of the contest, but one bad pass doomed the home side, as Hope picked up the 1-0 victory. The Lions fall to 5-9-1 and 2-6 in the Golden State Athletic Conference, while the Royals move to 11-0-2, 6-0-2 in the GSAC.
What Happened? Vanguard got the first two swings at goal, as Ayanna Suarez (SR/Indio, CA) fired a shot but had it blocked, with the follow-up saved by HIU goalie Siera Pedroza. The Lions continued to win the territorial battle over the first 15 minutes, as Hope was did not have many ventures toward the Lion's goal. A couple of other chances came and went for the Lions before the Royals got their first good look on a back-heel flick, but the resulting shot went high. The VU backline then had another alarm go off as a gap opened in the center of the back line, but the Royal's attacker pulled up short of Jayleen Casillas (SO/Victorville, CA) and shot it wide of the goal.
Vanguard again had a good spell of play during the middle stages, as the team pressed successfully and were able to move the ball from side to side. However, they could not really challenge Pedroza with the 11 shots that the team put up over the first 45 minutes. Goalless at the halftime whistle, the Lions had a lot of positives they could take into the break as they looked to play spoiler against the Royals.
The Lions started off well again in the second half, as the team got the first shot courtesy of Kelsey Bryant (SR/Apple Valley, CA), even though it was blocked. The first corner kick of the half went to VU as well but nothing could be generated off the attempt. Suarez had another good shot in 56th minute, as she brough the ball in to fer favorite right foot but it rolled wide of the net. Emily Miramontes (SR/Fullerton, CA) then had a shot in the 57th minute but it went over the bar.
Disaster then struck for the Blue and Gold, as Maddy Thompson (JR/Aliso Viejo, CA)'s pass was intercepted by Luli Bethencourt, who charged in at Casillas. She faked right and went left to score the opening goal of the game in the 59th minute.
The Lions faltered for a few minutes before being able to right the ship. But after the 70th minute, VU was back on track and charging for the tie. Macee Okey (SO/Lakewood, CA) had a ball fall for her in the box but could not bend it on target. Another lose ball popped open for Alyssa Fong (FR/Rescue, CA), but the freshman was leaning back and could not keep the shot from going over the bar.
Pedroza then stopped a bouncing ball from Fong in the 77th minute and saved the game for the Royals a few minutes later. A free kick sent in by Allie Griffith (SR/Aliso Viejo, CA) landed for Katelyn Alexander (SO/Lakewood, CA) in the box but it was too close for her to get much power on it and Pedroza was able to get back in time to make the save. Bryant had the final shot but could not get it on target and the Royals held on for the 1-0 win.
VU outshot HIU 22-6 and 9-2 in shots on goal. Suarez had four shots to lead the team, three of which were on target. Bryant had three shots as did Hallam. Casillas made one save.
Why is it important? That concludes the season for the Lions, who will finish at 5-9-1. It will conclude the careers of Bryant, Suarez, Miramontes, Hallam, Sophia Lorey (SR/La Verne, CA), Alena Wade (SR/Aliso Viejo, CA), and Griffith.
What was said?: "What a battle today! This group came out on a mission and really fought," said Head Coach Lauren Mascaro. "It's always a physical matchup with Hope and we didn't back down. It's obviously frustrating to not put away a goal or two early on, but we never let up and that is what Vanguard soccer is all about. I am so proud of these seniors and the way they've grown during their time in the program and at VU. They've had peaks and valleys and made lifelong friendships and memories along the way."
