THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – No. 13 Cal Lutheran women's soccer was handed its first loss of the season, falling to Pomona-Pitzer 2-1 at William Rolland Stadium on Wednesday evening.
The Regals (9-1-4, 7-1 SCIAC) and the Sagehens (10-1-2, 6-1-1) matched up for the first time this season as the two SCIAC heavyweights added another bout to their rivalry. In three matchups last season, both teams went 1-1-1 with the Regals defeating the Sagehens in the third matchup during the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Tonight, the Sagehens swung the tide back to their side.
"We played well most of the game but made a couple of mistakes, and good teams make you pay," said head coach Frank Marino. "I thought our team responded great in the second half and we created some good chances."
Both teams created chances in the opening minutes, but the Sagehens set the tone in the 17th minute, scoring off a corner kick piece. 22 minutes later, they struck again.
In the 39th minute, the Sagehens took advantage of a counterattack, letting a shot go just past the diving Kira Kasarda to make it 2-0. A dominant Sagehens first half was the tale of the match.
The Regals fought until the last horn and were never out of it, creating a few real chances down the stretch including a successful penalty kick by Olivia Suarez that cut the deficit in half in the 88th minute. Suarez leads the Regals with five goals this season.
Earlier in the second half, Elisa Shott drew a foul just outside of the box to give the Regals their first scoring opportunity. Nevaeh Rascon was the free-kick taker and fired a shot on goal but Sagehens goalie Patricia DePalma made an incredible save to stun the Regals.
Despite the loss, the Regals still sit atop the SCIAC standings and will get another crack at the Sagehens next Wednesday on enemy soil. Before then, they will need to take care of business on the road against Caltech.
"We need to focus on Caltech Saturday who just beat Chapman tonight," said Marino. "Of course we learned a lot tonight and are excited to go play at [Pomona's] place next Wednesday. I think we showed at times tonight how good we can be the rest of the season."
They travel to Pasadena to take on the Beavers on Saturday, Oct. 19 at 11 a.m.
