CARLSBAD, Calif. – Due to a rescheduled conference matchup with San Diego Christian, the #19 ranked Lions (4-3) were able to secure a last-minute game on the road against the University of Saint Katherine (6-6-1). Vanguard recorded an 82nd minute goal to secure the victory over the Firebirds.
What Happened? Vanguard came out firing but could not find the back of the net. They took seven shots in the first half compared to none for the Firebirds. The Pride also had a 4-1 edge in corner kicks. After the intermission, the Blue and Gold continued to put the pressure on the USK keeper with nine total shots. It was the 13th shot of the game which gave VU the win, and at that point Saint Katherine had only taken one shot.
Why It's Important? The Lions have now played the Firebirds twice this season, securing shutout victories both times. In the Pride's four wins this season, they have not allowed a goal and have outscored the opposition 11-0. To date, Vanguard is outscoring the teams they have played 12-6. Under head coach Lauren Mascaro, the Blue and Gold are 7-1-3 in non-conference tilts and hold a 19-14 margin in goals scored.
Top Performers: Kelsey Bryant (JR/Apple Valley, CA) was the lone goal scorer for the game with Marielisa Hallam (JR/Corona, CA) being awarded the assist. Payton Siurek (SO/Temecula, CA), Celeste Kiernan (FR/Las Vegas, NV), and Bryant all put two shots on goal; Allie Griffith took three shots while Hallam recorded a match high four. Haley Magana (SR/Los Alamitos, CA) tallied her 28th career shutout.
What They Said: Assistant Coach Nikki Dunn – "The players battled hard throughout the whole game and finally capitalized on an opportunity in the last 10 minutes. If we would have capitalized on any of our chances sooner, I think momentum would have swung in our direction, possibly adding a couple more goals to the end score. However, we were able to get the win and do the job we needed to do. "
What's Next: Thursday, April 1st at the OC Great Park against Hope International University at 5:00 p.m.
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