COSTA MESA – Junior Alyssa Fong provided a 62nd minute strike to lift the Vanguard women's soccer team to a 1-0 victory over Rocky Mountain on Tuesday at VU Soccer Field.
It was the home and season opener for the Blue and Gold, as well as the VU head coaching debut for Emily Reynolds. The Battlin' Bears fell to 1-1-0.
Fong netted her sixth career goal – and her second career game-winner – to keep the Lions unbeaten in season openers for the fourth straight season. Fong took three shots for the game and had two on frame.
Sophomore Rachel Penick led all players with seven shots, and the Lions held a 16-10 shots advantage, including a 13-6 edge in the second half.
Junior goalkeeper Jordin Holmquist-Wilder collected her ninth career shutout behind six saves, including a key stop with just over a minute to play.
What Happened?: Fong pounced on an opportunity in a game where Rocky Mountain was stingy in space. The play developed when Celeste Kiernan lofted a ball that bounced near the 18 yard box and was headed backwards by a Battlin' Bear defender.
Fong ran up and half-volleyed her attempt into the upper left corner for the goal at 61:34 mark.
The Lions played tight defense throughout and limited the number of quality opportunities for Rocky Mountain. However, the Battlin' Bears threatened in the 89th minute, intercepting a pass at midfield and threading a through ball to Mya Maack.
Maack dribbled into the box and was met by a charging Holmquist-Wilder, who smothered Maack's low shot. The ball ricocheted back to Maack who struck another attempt that floated over the crossbar.
The Lions defended well throughout behind the backline of Kiernan, Kaylee Nelsen, Avery Collins and Takara Kiesel. Kiernan and Nelsen played all 90 minutes for the Blue and Gold.
Why Is It Important?: The Lions earned a win against the first of two opponents from the Cascade Collegiate Conference on the schedule. VU also hosts Southern Oregon, a team receiving votes in the NAIA poll, on September 1.
What Was Said?: "The team played with a lot of courage and creativity," said Reynolds. "They've worked very hard in training camp and these games are a good chance for us to see where we need to improve moving forward. We're stoked for another chance to compete on Saturday.
What's Next?: The Blue and Gold host Saint Katherine on Saturday at 2:00 p.m.
