Freshman Kaci Mexico contributed to both Warriors goals as Westmont Women’s Soccer (4-1) earned a 2-1 road win over Southern Oregon (3-4) on Friday. Just before halftime, Mexico assisted on a goal by Samantha Kleen. Less than five minutes into the second half, Mexico produced the game winner on an unassisted goal.
“We looked like it was a travel day,” said Westmont head coach Kristi Kiely. “We had a late flight last night. The players were feeling that a little bit and it took them a few minutes to into the game.”
The Raiders took advantage of the Warriors’ situation and scored a goal in the eighteenth minute. Denise Powell took a shot that deflected off of Westmont goalkeeper Lindsey Smith and landed at the feet of Southern Oregon’s Julie Zamzow who put the ball in the net for the goal.
“The early goal was the result of a couple of mental errors and missed clears,” said Kiely.” But I am really proud of how the team responded to that. Getting the goal right before the half was the result of a bunch of fight by Kaci Mexico, and a calm and composed finish by Samantha Kleen. A beautiful ball was sent in by Nichole Yankey that Kaci fought for. The ball went off of Kaci and dropped to Sam’s foot and she chipped the keeper from just inside the 18.”
Kleen’s equalizing goal was scored in the fortieth minute, giving the Warriors reason to be optimistic at halftime.
“At halftime, we fixed a couple of things and made some personnel changes,” said Kiely. “The team rallied at halftime and implemented the changes that we were asking them to make. Because of that, Kaci was able to get that second goal. It was a very creative, composed and mature goal. She took a couple of people on and shook the keeper.
“There was a jumbled mess just the other side of the circle going towards goal. Aolani (Rueff) fought hard to get something through, leading Kaci on. Kaci took a couple of people on and chipped the keeper just outside the 18.”
The goal, which was the first of Mexico’s collegiate career, came just three minutes and 50 seconds into the second half.
“Nicole Yankey probably had the best game of her career,” said Kiely. “She kept our defensive line strong, was composed and defensively was extremely solid and important for us today. When they kept flying at her she wouldn’t let anything past her. It was a beautiful game for her today.”
Tomorrow, the Warriors will remain in Ashland, Ore. to take on sixth-ranked Concordia (Ore.) which has a record of 3-3-1. The Cavaliers have wins over Trinity International (Ill.), #12 The Master’s and Pacific (Ore.) and losses to #2 Lee (Tenn.), Trinity Western (B.C.) and #7 Concordia (Calif.). The tie came against Western Oregon.
