COSTA MESA – Staring at a 1-0 deficit with the clock ticking down, forward Jillian Juarez (SR/Glendora, CA) netted her first goal of the season to help the Vanguard women's soccer team preserve a 1-1 tie against Benedictine Mesa on Monday at VU Soccer Field.

The goal with 47 seconds remaining allowed the Lions to finish off their five-match season-opening homestand with a 2-1-2 record. The Redhawks moved to 1-1-1 on the season.

Vanguard created more chances, won the possession battle and held a 19-10 shot advantage, but needed the late game heroics from Juarez to keep Benedictine Mesa goalkeeper Jaden Campbell from earning the shutout.

Both goalies were busy throughout, with Campbell producing eight saves and VU's Jordin Holmquist-Wilder (SO/Temecula, CA) stopping five shots.

The game was physical, with the teams whistled for a combined 27 fouls and four yellow cards, three to the Redhawks.

What Happened?: Kennedy Cypher (FR/Lake Tapps, WA) started the game-tying sequence finding Madelyn Diaz (SR/San Clemente, CA) on the right flank. Diaz had plenty of open space as she dribbled up the right side. She laid a pass to her left, finding Juarez who created some space of her own before burying a shot past Campbell.

The goal capped off a 12 shot second half in which the Lions peppered Campbell. Cypher had a chance in the 49th minute that Campbell deflected back out in front of the goal. However, a Redhawk player cleared the ball out of danger.

Cypher, who led all players with six shots, forced Campbell into a diving save in the 62nd minute.

The Redhawks charged right back up the field following that stop to take the 1-0 lead. Dahlia Alonso weaved around a couple of Lion defenders before dumping a pass to Neshma Rodriguez on the right flank. Rodriguez returned the pass to Alonso, who poked a shot just past the diving Holmquist-Wilder.

Vanguard tested Campbell early, forcing her into four saves within the first 25 minutes.

Why Is It Important?: Vanguard has outscored its opponents 9-4 through the first five contests, allowing a goal or less in four of those. They continue to put themselves in position to win.

What Was Said?: "The bright spot on the day was Jill's goal," said Head Coach Lauren Mascaro. "Although there wasn't an official assist, the whole buildup – the composure and the patience, with the clock winding down was phenomenal and then the finish was perfect. To play with heart like that to the final whistle in such a physical battle says a lot about these ladies and their desire to make each game an act of worship to the Lord."

What's Next?: The Lions head to the Pacific Northwest for a pair of games next weekend. They face Northwest on Friday, Sept. 9 at 3:00 p.m. The road trip ends with a Sunday morning contest against Corban at 11:00 a.m.