Gonzaga University
Pepperdine
Late Goals By Pepperdine Down Bulldogs
10/18/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Oct. 18, 2009
MALIBU, Calif. - Two late goals by Pepperdine University in final 10 minutes handed Gonzaga University a 2-1 defeat in a West Coast Conference match Sunday afternoon.
The Bulldogs (6-9, 0-3 WCC) had Emily Hutchins record her first career goal just over two minutes into the match but goals by the Waves (8-5-1, 1-1-1 WCC) in the 80th and 84th minutes overcame the early deficit to defeat the Zags.
Gonzaga's early offensive pressure led to the score as Hutchins gained possession and dribbled into Pepperdine's 18-yard box and then rocketed a shot into the left corner of the net for the score.
For the rest of the first half the Bulldogs withstood a couple of offensive threats by the Waves as GU starting keeper Amy Danielson made two saves in period to allow the Zags to take the 1-0 lead into the half.
The intensity picked up in the second half as the Waves dialed up the offensive pressures, earning six corner kicks and outshooting the Zags 9-2 in the period. With less than 10 minutes remaining in regulation Pepperdine leading scorer Michelle Spacciapolli was able to get behind the Bulldogs defense on a long pass and found the back of the net to tie the match at 1-1 at the 80:01 mark. Nearly five minutes later Sophia Medina gave the Waves the lead at the 84:56 mark with a shot that glanced off the post and in for the eventual match-winner.
Pepperdine finished with advantages in shots (15-5) and corner kicks (12-2) while Danielson made five saves. Physical play was also a common theme throughout the afternoon as the Zags were whistled for 11 fouls and three yellow cards while the Waves were called for nine fouls and one yellow card.
Next weekend the Bulldogs are slated to play its first set of home matches in over a month after playing its past seven matches on the road, hosting the University of San Francisco 3 p.m. Friday and Saint Mary's College 1 p.m. Sunday.
