STOCKTON, Calif. - Behind a phenomenal game-winning goal from graduate student
Taylor Curtis, the Pacific women's soccer team defeated Houston Christian, 2-1, on Thursday night at Knoles Field.
The Tigers (1-0-0) extend their non-conference home winning streak to 15 consecutive games. The Huskies (0-1-0) drop their season opener as the start of their four-game road trip.
"It was a big opening night win for our team," Pacific co-head coach
J.J. Wozniak said. "We got to give credit to Houston Christian. They tied it before halftime, but we sorted it out. We talked about everyone needing to impact the game, and they did tonight. The early second-half goal by Taylor was unbelievable with the sequence and the finish. We're so proud of our team to adjust and get the job done. A well-earned win for our team."
Curtis and junior
Alexis Pashales found the back of the net for the Tigers. Junior
Ka'ui Lani Pinkney and redshirt junior
Ariana Gronauer earned assists on the Pacific tallies for their first helpers of the season. Sophomore goalkeeper
Libby Davy made seven saves while allowing just one goal.
With a buzz of energy from the crowd, the Tigers got off to a strong start, as Pinkney found Pashales in the middle, who netted her first goal of the season to give the Tigers a 1-0 lead at the 12-minute mark.
The Huskies were able to respond before halftime, finding the back of the net to level the game at one apiece.
A nifty pass by Gronauer set up Curtis for a bullseye shot that proved to be the game winner just four minutes into the second half to give the Tigers the 2-1 edge.
"Ariana passed me a great ball," said Curtis, who took a team-high six shots. "I cut in front of both of the defenders, and I found back of the net."
HCU pressed hard to strike, but the Tigers locked down defensively, despite playing down a player for all of the second half.
The Huskies ultimately out-shot the Tigers, 15-10, but a 2-1 victory landed in favor of the home team as Pacific begins the season on a high note.
Pacific hits the road for the first time this season, facing Arizona on Sunday at 11:30 a.m. at Murphy Field.
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