HIGHLIGHTS

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – Cal Lutheran Regals soccer (1-0, 0-0) notched its first win of the year, defeating Fredonia State 1-0 in its season opener, the first home game for any Cal Lutheran team this season. 

It took 15 minutes for the Regals to find the back of the net, their first shot on goal of the game. 

The goal came on a free kick off the boot of junior midfielder Hana Sawan, one of the team captains this season. The shot initially looked like it was a potential set up for a header, but instead it went untouched and found the corner of the net for an unassisted goal. 

With just over ten minutes left to play, junior midfielder Isabel Turner suffered a knee injury while attempting a slide tackle. 

The severity of the injury is currently unknown as the team awaits further testing. 

The game was Turner's first wearing purple, having played the last two years at Santa Monica College, where she was named a JUCO All-American for the 2024 season. 

"I'm a little worried, obviously. She's a key player for us. I'm hoping it's going to be okay. She seems better after the game, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed," Head Coach Frank Marino said. 

Senior defender Tessa French said she noticed a shift in the team's drive, especially in the first half, compared to last season. 

"I think last year we struggled with not being there for the entire first half, but I think this year I've seen a big difference in every minute of every second of the game, we are giving 110%," French said. 

Both Marino and French highlighted the Regals' ability to create shots and opportunities, but they often failed to finish. Cal Lu logged 25 shots and nine shots on goal. Inversely, the Regals defense held Fredonia State (0-1, 0-0) to one shot on goal the whole game. 

The Regals are back in action on Sunday morning at 11am when they host the Whitworth Pirates.