COSTA MESA -- A goal for Vanguard women's soccer in the first half was equalized by a Colorado Christian University tally in the second 45 for a 1-1 draw at the end of the Saturday afternoon. The Lions out shot the Cougars 16-6, but did not have many high-danger chances in the second stanza to force a winner. The Lions go to 2-2-1 while CCU goes to 1-3-1.
What Happened? The Blue and Gold were clearly the better team in the first frame, as CCU could not figure out who to press to stop the Lions from coming up the field. VU had two corner kicks in the first 15 minutes, but the third one in the 24th minute paid out the first dividend of the day.
Rachel Penick lofted a perfect kick into the six-yard box and
Kate Burns headed it home for her first collegiate goal.
Vanguard was able to pass through the front two lines of the Colorado Christian team and kept possession for most of the half, though the Cougars got two shots in the frame. One required
Olivia Weidner to make a punching save to her left to deny an equalizer, but she did not have to make a stop for the final 20 minutes of the frame. VU almost got a second goal on its fifth corner kick in the 40th minute, as Penick delivered another delicious ball from the flag. It landed right near the goal line and
Alanna Heem and
Audrey Swanis swung away in search of a goal, but the CCU team made one stop and their goalie made two before the guests lifted it out of harm's way. VU had a 5-2 edge in shots in the first half and a 6-0 advantage in corner kicks.
CCU made some tactical adjustments at the break and were able to contain the Vanguard attack more, resulting in a more fruitful period for the Cougars. Just shy of 10 minutes into the new half and CCU got a free kick and the service was not handled by VU, as Orange native Sophia Tagge headed home a goal to make it 1-1.
Avery Hanhauser hit the crossbar in the 70th minute, which was the best Vanguard chance in the second period to that point. Though the Lions had slowed the Cougar attack, neither side got a good look until a final rush in the last five minutes.
Hailey Garvin missed a shot over the bar and Penick had a chance with a corner kick with one minute to go. Her service was great again, but
Megan Charley's shot was saved. Penick had another shot blocked, which led to an attempt by
Kennedy Cypher from an extreme angle on the side of the box, but it too was stopped to leave the score stuck at 1-1.
VU had an 8-6 lead in shots on goal and controlled the corner-kick counter 10-1 after 90 minutes. Weidner made three saves, Currier had three shots to lead the team, and Penick and
Kate Burns each had two.
What's Next? The Lions stay at home and play a non-conference match against CUI next Saturday at 11:00 a.m.
