COSTA MESA – Faced with a two goal hole, Vanguard women's soccer roared back with goals in the 43rd and 73rd minutes to forge a 2-2 tie against Saint Katherine on Saturday at VU Soccer Field.
Junior Alyssa Fong scored her second goal of the young season and sophomore Francesca Lindstrom capped the scoring with her first career collegiate strike as the Lions denied the Firebirds a road victory.
Vanguard now sits at 1-0-1 on the season while Saint Katherine moves to 0-1-2.
It was an evenly played game statistically with the Firebirds maintaining a slight edge in shots (17-15) and corner kicks (4-2). The Firebirds committed more fouls (16-13) and were responsible for all three yellow cards issued in the match.
Lindstrom had a breakout game with a match-high six shots, including three on goal in her first career start for the Blue and Gold. Jena Howard and Rachel Penick posted three shots apiece.
The Lions received five saves from goalie Jordin Holmquist-Wilder. Saint Katherine split time between two goalies – Eliza Barocio and Alitzel Razon – and the Lions cashed in the game-tying goal nearly three minutes after Razon took over between the pipes.
What Happened?
The Firebirds scored twice within a 10-minute span to take a 2-0 first half lead. Using space in the middle of the pitch, STK got on the board when a perfectly threaded through ball by Venessa Cruz linked up with Kaamna Shankar, who slid her shot inside the lower right post at the 27:01 mark.
Later in the half, Cruz reversed roles and this time became the recipient of a through ball, latching onto a pass that came from near midfield. She got behind the VU defense and struck a shot that Holmquist-Wilder initially saved. However, the rebound deflected back to Cruz and her follow up pinged the bottom of the crossbar and rolled over the goal line. STK owned a 2-0 lead with just under eight minutes remaining in the first half.
The Lions escaped further damage earlier in the half, when in the 10th minute Isabella Salcedo's rocket clanged off the crossbar.
Vanguard mounted its comeback starting with Fong, who took a free kick from around 35 yards out following a Firebird foul with a little over two minutes before halftime. She lifted a ball straight down the middle into the penalty area. With several Lions converging, the ball took an awkward bounce, evading the goalie and trickling into the back of the net. Fong scored her second goal in as many matches, netting the seventh of her career.
Down just 2-1 heading into halftime, Fong's goal breathed life into the Blue and Gold.
The Lion defense tightened up after intermission, limiting the Firebirds to just five shots over the final 45 after the visitors had 12 in the first half.
VU discovered the equalizer in the 73rd minute after intercepting a pass near midfield. Penick collected the ball and sent a beautiful delivery to Lindstrom, who outraced two Firebird defenders and sidestepped the charging goalie. She sized up her shot and buried it to the lower left pocket.
Each team managed only one shot over the final 17 minutes, and settled for the tie.
Why Is It Important?: It is the second year in a row that VU fell into a 2-0 hole on its home field to Saint Katherine. The Lions lost 2-1 in the 2022 matchup, but did not allow the same result in the rematch.
What Was Said?: "Today was a great test for us in how we respond to adversity," said Head Coach Emily Reynolds. "I'm very proud of the team for continuing to believe. They fought hard to get two great goals. This will serve as a reminder for us of what we are capable of when we believe and play with courage."
What's Next?: The Lions continue their four-match homestand, welcoming in Southern Oregon on Friday, September 1. Kickoff is 1:30 p.m.
