THOUSAND OAKS, Calif., - The Cal Lutheran women's soccer team used three second half goals to roll past Whittier 4-0 Wednesday night at Rolland Stadium. The Regals outshot the Poets a remarkable 24 to 1 including 14 CLU shots in the second half.
"I thought Whittier had a good game plan for us coming into the game and give them credit because it took us a while to get in rhythm," Coach Frank Marino said.
"But I thought once the game got going and we started to figure out what they were trying to do, we were able to possess the ball better and find the holes in their defense," Marino said.
Cal Lutheran got an unexpected first goal when defender Kristen DiPippo put in a cross off a corner kick in the 9th minute that curved over the Whittier goalie's head and glanced off the top of the cross bar and into the back of the net to put the Regals up 1-0.
In the second half, the Regals continued to dominate possession and put shots on the Whittier goal. Eight minutes into the first half, Melissa Abdelkerim sent a pass over a Whittier defender right to Kristina Hulse who deflected the ball past the Poet goalie for the second goal of the match.
The Regals nearly scored again in the 55th minute when Hulse sent in a through ball to Mayra Virgen but Whittier goalie Shanna Falch was able to deflect the shot out of bounds.
In the 70th minute, Whittier had its best scoring-chance on a counter-attack off a Regals corner kick but Stephanie Gilbert slidetackled the ball away kept the clean slate for CLU.
"Our defense continues to play lights out. This is their sixth shutout of the season and the fact they held their opponent to one shot is something I'm really proud of and they should be too," the fourth-year Coach said.
Taylor Will added another goal in the 81st minute thanks to a great cross from senior Dani Granholm.
Will would return the favor in the 89th minute leading a pass perfectly in for Granholm who collected the ball just outside of the box, dribbled twice and sent in a shot to the far post for CLU's final goal of the game.
"We've struggled at times this season to finish and tonight all three finishes in the second half were excellent. I'm glad to see we're improving and I'm excited to see our kids get more confidence. I thought this was the best second half we've played all year," Marino concluded.
With the win, the Regals improved to 8-2 overall and continue to be atop the SCIAC standings with a 5-0 record. The win also continues CLU's SCIAC winning-streak which is now at 17 games. The loss drops Whittier to 4-5 and 2-3 in the SCIAC.
The Regals next host Chapman this Saturday at 1:00 p.m at Rolland Stadium.
Box Score: CLU 4 Whittier 0
