WSOC: Lancers Defeat Eagles 2-1

Coming off a tough road loss last weekend, California Baptist University got back on track with a 2-1 victory over Concordia of Irvine Thursday afternoon. The victory puts the Lancers 2-5-1 overall and 2-1-0 in PacWest action, sitting tied for third in the early conference standings. The Eagles, who were on a three-game winning streak after opening conference with two wins, fall to 3-2-2 on the year and 2-1-0 in the PacWest. CBU had a high-flying start to the game scoring in just the sixth minute of the game. With a superb pass over the top from defender Riley Philips, Chaylin Couzins found acres of space to dribble into the 18-yard box and slot her third goal of the season in past the goalkeeper. The Lancers maintained a solid defensive shape in the first half with Philips commanding the back line allowing no goals in and only three shots on goal. With the defense performing their duties accordingly, it allowed the offenses to continue to press the Eagles. Nadia Hernandez scored her first collegiate goal just a minute before the halftime whistle blew. Sydney Rockett hurled in a long throw, allowing fellow freshman Madison Thompson to get a touch over to Hernandez. The freshman midfielder knocked a first-time ball into the back of the net, giving the Lancers a 2-0 lead going into the second half. Hoping to keep the scoring juices flowing, Justine Kesterson rocketed a shot into the upper right hand of the goal, but CUI goalkeeper Darby Clements produced a big-time save to keep her team in the game. As time wound down, the Eagles became desperate for a goal and found one late in the game as Brianna Meyer scored in the 88th minute. The Lancers fended off the final attacks to maintain the 2-1 victory, giving Hernandez a game-winning goal as her first collegiate score.