AZUSA, Calif. – The Cal Lutheran women's soccer team earned its sixth consecutive victory Saturday night, shutting out Azusa Pacific 1-0 at Cougar Soccer Complex behind the first career goal for
Amira Walker and a combined five-save effort from
Reagan Keelan and
Kaitlyn Kensinger.
After a scoreless first half, the Regals broke through in the 70th minute. Walker capitalized on a foul to deliver a strike from a set piece, finding the back of the net for the first goal of her collegiate career and giving Cal Lutheran the decisive 1-0 advantage.
The freshman's clutch finish proved to be all the offense the Regals needed against a Cougars squad continuing its transition from NCAA Division II to Division III.
Cal Lutheran's defense held strong throughout the contest, especially in the second half as Azusa Pacific increased its attacking pressure. The Cougars finished with 15 shots, including five on target, but the Regals refused to concede.
Reagan Keelan started in goal and recorded one save in the opening 45 minutes before
Kaitlyn Kensinger took over after halftime. Kensinger made four saves in the second half to preserve the shutout and secure the road victory.
The Regals recorded eight shots, seven of which were on target, while earning four corner kicks. Both goalkeepers and a resilient defensive effort helped Cal Lutheran weather the Cougars' second-half surge to close out the win.
With the victory, Cal Lutheran improves to 9-1-3 overall and extends its winning streak to six games.
The Regals return to William Rolland Stadium on Wednesday, October 14, hosting Occidental at 7 p.m. Cal Lutheran looks to carry its momentum into the matchup against a Tigers squad that sits at 4-3-1 in SCIAC play.
