Gonzaga University
Loyola Marymount
Bulldogs Defeat Lions; Extend Win Streak To Two
10/17/2010 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Oct. 17, 2010
SPOKANE, Wash. - Sophomore forward Emily Hutchins' goal was the difference in the Gonzaga University women's soccer team's 2-1 win over Loyola Marymount University in a West Coast Conference match at Gonzaga Soccer Field Sunday.
Redshirt junior Elle Sweeney also scored for the Bulldogs (7-8-1, 2-1-0 WCC) while Jordan Nelson scored the Lions' (8-5-1, 0-2-1 WCC) lone goal.
The Bulldogs, who defeated Pepperdine University in overtime Friday, earned back-to-back victories for the first time this season. The last time the Zags picked up back-to-back wins was against WCC foes University of San Francisco and Saint Mary's College at home last season.
In addition to the two wins this weekend, the Bulldogs swept the two teams tied for sixth in the NSCAA-Hendrickscars.com West Regional rankings. The Bulldogs have played six opponents ranked in their respective regions this season.
"The strength of our schedule is paying off," said Bulldogs head coach Amy Edwards. "We are playing good soccer right now."
Both teams opened the first 20 minutes of the match quiet offensively as three shots were taken by the Zags. The Zags put themselves on the board first at 20:34. Junior forward Sarah Rhodes' second corner kick on the right side found Sweeney who punched in her first goal of the season on a header inside the penalty box.
The Lions' best opportunities came in the first half. In the 35th minute Tawni Martino dribbled deep into the Zags zone but the Lions didn't convert her cross. Eight minutes later, Julie Gallaudet took a shot from inside the penalty box but redshirt junior goalkeeper Lauren Ames made a diving save to preserve the lead.
The Bulldogs scored what proved to be the winning goal in the second half. Senior midfielder Sheridan Jones made a forward pass to Hutchins who dribbled to the penalty area and took a shot to the right side to beat Lions' goalkeeper Brittany Jagger and give the Zags a 2-0 lead at 67:17.
With five minutes left in the match, Nelson cut the two-goal deficit in half on a shot inside the penalty box after Brittney Sanford dribbled the ball into the Zags territory. The Bulldogs held a 16-11 shots advantage and 5-4 in corner kicks. Ames had two saves, Jagger three.
"This was an incredible weekend for our team," Edwards said. "We had a great performance from both our starters and reserves. Lauren had her best performances this weekend. She and our defense gave us the confidence we need to attack and score some brilliant goals."
The Zags begin the road slate of the WCC season at Santa Clara University Friday at 7 p.m. The Broncos were ranked No. 12 in the NSCAA-Hendrickcars.com and No. 15 in the Soccer America rankings last week.
