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Women’s Soccer Scores Two
Second-Half Goals, Defeat Chapman 2-1 |
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A second half comeback on Tuesday saved the #13 ranked Cougar women’s soccer team from two straight losses, as CSUSM eventually dispatched of Chapman 2-1. The much-needed win improves the Cougars’ record to 7-2-2 on the season. For the second straight game, CSUSM came out controlling play, but the squad failed to capitalize on its many opportunities. The Cougars out-shot Chapman 12-2 in the first half, including three from inside 6 yards – but couldn’t put any of their good opportunities on frame. Meanwhile, Chapman struck early and capitalized on its lone scoring chance. In the fifth minute, Chapman forced a turnover at midfield, with Alicia Fraticelli making a run. Cougar keeper Kaycee Gunion was able to get a hand on her shot and knock it off the post, but Maria Pierro was there to hit in the rebound. Down 1-0 starting the second half, the Cougars faced disaster for the second time in three days. On Sunday, CSUSM lost to La Sierra 1-0 despite out-shooting them 20-4, and Tuesday’s contest was shaping up much the same way. Luckily, the squad found its finishing touch early in the second half. In the 55th minute, Taylor Ziencina hit a dangerous corner kick into the box, and defender Lauren Hernandez was able to get her head on it and knock it past the keeper. Not long after, forward Katelyn Krauss got in behind the defense, and was dragged down in the box, resulting in a penalty kick and red card for the Chapman defender. CSUSM was unable to capitalize, however, as Ziencina’s PK was stopped by the Chapman keeper. But the game winner did eventually come for the Cougars. In the 72nd minute, Krauss made a great individual run off a steal at midfield, and hit a short pass to Ziencina, who buried her shot in the back of the net. The lead would hold up, as the Cougar defense clamped down, not allowing a shot in the second half. CSUSM will look to continue to improve their record as they head up north to take on San Francisco State this Friday.
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