STOCKTON, Calif. – The Pacific women's soccer team turned up the pressure in the second half, but a strong offensive push came up just short, dropping a 1-0 decision to LMU on Saturday night at Knoles Field in the West Coast Conference opener.
Despite giving up an early goal, the Tigers (1-9, 0-1-0 WCC) mounted a flurry of attacks late that saw potential for a tying goal but could not breakthrough against the Lions' (2-5-2, 1-0-0 WCC) defense.
The Lions struck in the sixth minute that marked as the game's only goal off a free kick by Sydney Schuler.
Pacific came out of the break with renewed energy and controlled much of the second-half action. The Tigers registered nine shots after halftime, three times their first-half total, while holding LMU to five shots. Pacific also earned four second-half corner kicks as it consistently applied pressure in the attacking third.
Janelli Villagran helped lead the offensive charge, putting two of her four shots on target.
Avery Thal and
Brooklyn Cornish also tested LMU goalkeeper JJ Hoover, who made three of her four saves in the second half.
Pacific continued pushing for the equalizer into the final minutes, earning its sixth corner of the night in the 87th minute. Despite creating several opportunities, the Tigers could not find the answer they sought.
On the defensive side for Pacific,
Ava Wells finished with six saves, including four after halftime, to keep Pacific within striking distance throughout the contest. The Tigers finished with 12 shots and six corner kicks overall.
Pacific will look to build on its second-half performance as WCC play continues next week at Portland on Friday, October 2 from Merlo Field.
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