Three second-half goals helped No. 15 Westmont women’s soccer team secure a 4-0 Golden State Athletic Conference victory over Hope International on Wednesday afternoon at Thorrington Field
Sophomore forward Mallory Mitchell provided the game-winning goal, scoring in the 13th minute.
Mitchell and junior midfielder Jenny Martinez passed the ball back and forth to each other four times while streaking down the middle of the field and alluding defenders. Mitchell then fired from approximately 15 yards out to put the Warriors up by one.
“Mallory hasn’t started in a few games,” said Westmont head coach Kristi Kiely. “To have her back and confident, has been great. Her goal was a signature move by Mal — a beautiful finishing, shaping the ball, picking out a spot in the goal and putting it right there.”
The Warriors (6-3-1, 2-1 GSAC) controlled the majority of the game, outshooting the Royals 16-2 in the first half and 13-1 in the second half.
“I thought we had some stretches that were the best soccer we played all year,” said Kiely. “Then there were also some stretches where we missed sitters. We are averaging over 20 shots per game, but we have to be able to finish. At halftime it was 1-0 and they were still in the game. That is what we will work on.”
In the 69th minute, senior midfielder Aolani Rueff shot the ball from the right side after beating her defender. The ball rebounded off of the keeper in front of the net. Martinez beat the defenders to the ball and scored with a sweeping kick.
“Aolani and Ashley (Correa) make things happen for us,” said Kiely. “Having them back freer from injury feels a lot better.”
The third goal came in the 86th minute after freshman midfielder Carly Richardson received the ball on the left side. Richardson dribble toward the center of the field, then passed to sophomore midfielder Tiffany Dimaculangan above the top of the box. Dimaculangan dribbled and then scored from 25 yards out to make it a 3-0 game.
Seventy-seven seconds later, Caroline Moe capped the Warrior scoring with a shout from 27 yards out. Junior defender Missy Robterson crossed a ball from the left-hand sided which was headed up field by a Royals defender. Moe settled the ball and then dribbled left before firing. Her shot caught the underside of the cross bar and ricocheted into the goal.
Westmont keeper Lindsey Smith earned her third shutout of the season while recording one save. Kiely was pleased with her team’s defensive effort.
