Westmont Women’s Soccer (6-4-2, 3-2 GSAC) bracketed Tuesday’s Golden State Athletic Conference game with goals at each end of regulation to post a 2-0 win over Fresno Pacific (4-7-1, 3-2 GSAC).
Freshman Jenny Martinez scored the Warrior’s first goal on a 30 yard strike from the right side just one minute and 22 seconds into the game. The goal was her fourth of the season – a team high.
Haley Yurtin provided the firm power at the close of the game, scoring her second goal of the year from 25 yards out with just 1:49 remaining on the clock.
“Hailey played really well,” said Kiely, “In addition to scoring our last goal. She was winning the ball for us in the midfield.
“It was a good game for the most part from our ladies,” said Westmont head coach Kristi Kiely. “We scored early and then weathered the storm at the end of the first half. The team turned it up in the second half. We made a couple of changes and I thought the group in the second half did especially well. Even without her goal, Jenny Martinez had a fantastic day. She was strong, she held the ball in, she played balls in, she was very smart and she was a great target for us up top.’
Both teams had several chances to score, with the Sunbirds taking 12 shots, nine of which were on goal. Westmont tallied 18 shots with ten on goal.
“Our entire backline had a wonderful game today,” said Kiely. “They along with (goalkeeper) Roxanne (Love) should be credited for the number of shutouts we have had this year. Today, I thought they were the best they have been all year.
The Warriors have posted seven shutouts in the 12 games played this season.
Today’s game marked the midpoint of the GSAC season for the Warriors. With nine points in the standings (three points for a win, one for a tie), Westmont is currently tied for fourth place with #14 California Baptist (3-3 GSAC). However, the Lancers have played one more game than the Warriors. That gives Westmont an additional game in which to earn points.
Both teams are one point behind Concordia (3-1-1 GSAC) who is in third with 10 points. Concordia defeated Vanguard today by a score of 2-1. At the top of the standings with 16 points is #2 Azusa Pacific (5-0-1 GSAC), which defeated #4 The Master’s (5-1 GSAC) by a 1-0 score to take over the top spot. Azusa Pacific has 16 standings points while The Master’s has 15.
Up next for the Warriors is a trip to San Diego on Saturday to face of with twenty-first ranked Point Loma Nazarene (3-4-4, 1-3-2 GSAC).
