Oct. 14, 2005
Final Stats
MALIBU, Calif. - Sophomore striker Christine Soma's goal in the 29th minute lifted the Gonzaga University women's soccer team to an upset shutout win over No. 10 Pepperdine University, 1-0, Friday afternoon at Tari Frahm Rokus Field.
With the win the Bulldogs are off to its best start in program history at 10-3-1, have registered three consecutive 10 plus win seasons, defeated a ranked Pepperdine team for the third consecutive year, have posted their sixth shutout of the season and improve to 1-1-0 in West Coast Conference play. With the loss the Waves fall to 10-2-1 overall and 1-1-0 in the WCC.
In the hot 84 degree temperature day in Southern California, the Bulldogs dominated the time of possession in the first half of play keeping the ball in Pepperdine's half of the field. In the 29th minute sophomore forward Nanda McCormick was able to feed a streaking Soma the ball on a breakaway and Soma launched a laser strike past Pepperdine's goalkeeper Anna Picarelli for her third goal of the season giving GU the only goal they would need.
"This was a big win for us," said Gonzaga head coach Shannon Stiles. "We dominated the time of possession in the first half, and had to overcome the heat of the day. I thought we played brilliantly in the first half. I credit our defenders with some great tackles throughout the entire match. Lori Conrad, Lauren Zuckerman and Beth Drollinger came up with some big plays on defense which helped us out tremendously."
Pepperdine came out in the second period attacking the Zags defense, but the Bulldogs stood their ground and senior goalkeeper Ashley Haugen was able to record two saves in picking up her 18th career shutout. Pepperdine gave the Bulldogs a scare late in the match with a shot from about 10 yards out that hit the cross bar and bounced to a Gonzaga defender, preserving the 1-0 lead.
"Pepperdine came out attacking us in the second half and had several good opportunities to even the score, but our defense was able to hold strong," said Stiles. "Anytime you go on the road and pick up a win it is big, but for us to beat a ranked team on the road, and for the third time in as many years is huge for our program."
The Waves held a 5-4 advantage in shot attempts and held a territorial 6-5 advantage in corner kicks.
The Bulldogs will look to tie a program-best 11 wins on Sunday as they head to Los Angeles, Calif. for a 1 p.m. WCC match with the Loyola Marymount Lions.
