Oct. 24, 2008
Box Score
Stockton, Calif. - With the season winding down and playing their second to last Big West Conference game of the year, the Pacific soccer team suffered a heartbreaking 2-0 loss at the hands of Cal Poly on Friday, October 24. The loss dropped the Tigers to 8-7-1 on the year and 3-3-1 in conference action while the Mustangs improved to 9-7-0 overall and 4-1-0 in the Big West.
Pacific's loss leaves the team with 10 points in the conference and sitting in the fourth and final spot for the Big West Championship tournament. Cal Poly's victory pushes the Mustangs to 12 points and into third place in the conference.
As with all games between the Tigers and the Mustangs, Friday's contest turned into a hard hitting battle between two squads in search of postseason berths. From the outset, both teams fought and clawed for every loose ball with the Mustangs holding a distinct possession advantage in the first half of play while the Tigers owned the second. However, despite the split in possession, there was no split in scoring as the Mustangs produced both goals in the game, scoring a tally in each half to come away with the victory.
Pacific had a golden chance in the early goings of the first half on a shot by sophomore Natalie Wong (Mililani, Hawaii) in the 24th minute of play that appeared to cross the goal line for a goal,. However, the shot was cleared away and off the line by the Mustangs' defense before a scoring tally was signaled. Denied the goal, the Tigers lost the chance to take the game's momentum, a chance the Mustangs would not miss.
With the momentum, the Mustangs broke the scoreless tie in the first half with just under five minutes to play, notching an unassisted goal off the head of Meggie O'Hagan. After a free kick by the Mustangs' floated into the Tigers' 18, O'Hagan found herself underneath the deflected ball from which she flicked in the Mustangs' opening strike.
Down one goal, the Tigers went on the offensive, taking control of the contest in the second half. Pacific's attack out of the halftime break appeared to pay immediate dividends when freshman Angelic Figueroa (Linden, Calif.) slotted in what the Tigers' thought was the equalizing strike just three minutes into the new period. However, a late foul call by the game's officials waved off the goal, giving the Mustangs back their one goal lead and cushion.
Despite the misfortune, the Tigers continued their attack, led by freshman Kristina Wavomba (Encinitas, Calif.) who posted three shots in the contest, all on goal. The Tigers posted 15 shots in the game, forcing nine saves by the Mustangs.
With the defense holding for Cal Poly, the offense of the Mustangs' sealed the game with an insurance goal in the 80th minute of play, countering a Tiger attack to set up the goal. Tiffany Gummow picked up the Mustangs' second goal of the contest, slotting a shot home after making a run towards the back post that was met by a crossing pass from Afton Thulin who was running a counter attack on Pacific down the right side of the field.
Overall, 37 fouls were whistled in the contest with Cal Poly picking up 21 fouls to the Tigers' 16. Additionally, two yellow cards were given in the game.
Pacific will look to get back on track on Sunday, October 26, as the Tigers leave conference action for a single game against Cal State Bakersfield. The game is scheduled for 3:00 pm.
