Costa Mesa -- Vanguard women's soccer had never lost to Arizona Christian and the Lions kept that mark going Saturday. Despite letting the Firestorm score their first-ever goal against VU, the Lions scooted away early and took home a 4-1 victory. Vanguard improves to 4-6-1 overall and 1-3 in the Golden State Athletic Conference, while ACU drops 0-3-1, and 3-7-1 in the GSAC.
What Happened? The Lions had eyes for goal early, as Allie Griffith (SR/Aliso Viejo, CA) let fly a pair of shots from outside the box within the first three minutes. One went wide and the other was snagged by ACU goalie Raelene Reyes. Reyes was tested again on shots from Marielisa Hallam (SR/Corona, CA) and Ayanna Suarez (SR/Indio, CA) but the keeper for Arizona Christian was up to the task. Vanguard got the first corner kick in the 14th minute and the cross created some confusion in the box. Suarez kept her eyes on the ball the entire time and when the ball bounced to her feet, she unload a shot that beat Reyes to give VU a 1-0 lead and Suarez her first goal of the season.
Vanguard had the next few shots as well but could not hit the frame, as the home side continued to play with confidence. The Firestorm got a shot away in the 30th minute but Ashley Levi (FR/Brentwood, CA) did not have to make a save, as Sophia Lorey (SR/La Verne, CA) slid in to block it. After a mid-half lull, the Lions found their form again, putting up three shots over the span of a couple of minutes. The Lions seemed poised to score again but Arizona Christian did enough to hold the squad off the board, and Vanguard took a 1-0 lead into the intermission.
Vanguard outshot the Firestorm 13-2 in the half, had a 5-1 edge in corners, and had a large advantage in possession after 45 minutes of action.
It took all of 45 seconds for the Blue and Gold to pot their second goal, as Emily Miramontes (SR/Fullerton, CA) took advantage of a long ball over the top. After a miscue from the Firestorm, Miramontes struck a powerful shot that thumped into the back of the net to make it 2-0. Four more shots over three minutes kept ACU pinned in their own end.
The Firestorm then scored their first goal against the Lions since the teams first met in 2012, as Christian Mercado got a free header from a kick well outside the box and put it past Levi to make the score 2-1.
But the Firestorm had little to do offensively from there, as Vanguard put the pedal down again. A couple of shots missed wide before Griffith put a ball up for Miramontes again, who headed it cleanly into the net to garner a brace of goals for the game. Up 3-1, Griffith then struck in her first goal of the year in the 84th minute to put the Lions up 4-1, as she drove in a deep shot after she dribbled across the top of the box. With Levi making an easy save in the 88th minute, Vanguard collected the 4-1 victory to keep their good record against ACU going.
The Lions outshot Arizona Christian 28-5 for the day and 14-2 in the shots on goal department. VU also had a 9-2 edge in corner kicks. Griffith had six shots to pace the team and had four shots on goal as well, another team-high. Miramontes had four shots and three on, while Suarez had three shots and two on target. Levi made one save on the day.
Why is it Important? VU grabs its first GSAC win and the team is now tied with San Diego Christian in the standings, just one game behind the teams they have yet to play.
What was said? "It was awesome to see our super seniors really set the tone today and find the back of the net," said Head Coach Lauren Mascaro. "We're getting back into our rhythm and the momentum from today is crucial ahead of a big week on the road next week."
What's next? Vanguard makes the Nor-Cal swing, as the Lions will face Menlo on October 14 at 1:00 p.m. before facing William Jessup on Saturday.
