CARSON, Calif. – Vanguard women's soccer suffered their first defeat of the campaign with a 1-0 loss to CSU Dominguez Hills on Saturday evening. The Lions flowed seamlessly throughout the first half at Toro Stadium, leading in shots 6-3, but could not capitalize on their opportunities to claim the go-ahead goal. The Toros were more settled in the second period as CSUDH's Kaylee Leavitt took the initiative in the 59th minute to claim her second goal of the season and secure the win for the home side.

The Lions drop to 1-1 on their opening weekend to start the season. The Toros improve to 2-0 and continue their command of the all-time series with VU at 6-1.

The Blue and Gold led the match in total shots (8-4) with both sides striking four on target. A trio of Lions tallied two shots: Rachel Penick, Lily Fama, and Alanna Heem. Each had one shot on goal, with Kalena Yamashita and Lindsey Hiraki producing the last efforts goalward for VU. Olivia Weidner finished with three saves.

What Happened?
The Lions were knocking on the door early with three of their four shots on the target in the half coming in the first 15 minutes of the game. Their first real chance came after Kate Burns carried the ball up the left-hand side and glided past three defenders before sending in a cross toward Heem. Positioned closely to the penalty spot, Heem swung at it with her left boot but couldn't get the right connection to worry CSUDH's Audrey Haman in goal.

Sydney Powell also tried for goal with a free kick from the right side of the box, but Haman was able to hold on despite the power. A few minutes later, Powell set her sights on another opportunity, as she locked onto a left-sided cross from Audrey Swanis, but could not snap the header on frame. VU saw another free kick come their way, this time centrally down the middle of the goal, but Hannah Caira was unable to steer the 25-yard effort below the crossbar.  

VU's closing chances of the half came with an attempt from Hiraki, which clipped over the bar, and a Fama strike that was saved by CSUDH.

The first half's peppering from VU did not persist for the Lions, as they were outshot 3-2 in the second interval and were unable to register a shot on goal. CSUDH struck the post off a corner kick to trigger the warning signs for the Lion defense.  The Toros scored some minutes later, with Leavitt's header at the back post sealing the result as the game's only goal. VU's hunt for a response back into the match was characterized by chances from Penick in the 64th minute and Heem in the 68th minute, but neither was able to test the Toro net.

What's Next? The Lions will head back to Costa Mesa to start a five-game homestand, beginning with CSU Los Angeles on Saturday, September 13, at 11 a.m.