SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. – Giana Riley scored twice as No. 23 Gonzaga women's soccer won its third straight game, defeating Cal Poly, 4-1, Thursday.
The Zags (6-1-0) earned the road victory setting up a pivotal matchup at No. 17 Texas Sunday.
Gonzaga controlled Thursday's match, possessing the ball 51 percent of the time. The Bulldogs outshot the host Mustangs 15-12, with a 5-4 edge in shots on goal. GU improved to 9-0-0 against Big West competition under head coach Chris Watkins.
Just over two minutes into the match,
Maddie Kemp struck in a shot from way outside the box for her third goal of the season and 17
th of her career.
Chelsea Le was credited with the assist.
In the 10
th minute, Riley curled a shot from distance around the Cal Poly keeper for the Bulldogs' second goal. Riley scored her West Coast Conference leading eighth goal of the season in the 52
nd minute. Off a
Grace Courter assist, Riley slid a shot near post for her 13
th career goal.
Paige Alexander found the back of the net for the first time this season in the 76
th minute to give GU a 4-0 lead.
Kyah Le was credited with the assist.
The Mustangs' (1-3-1) Caylie Button spoiled the shutout with a goal in the 87
th minute. Brennan Cole and Annie Larson were given assists.
Cal Poly had a 5-3 edge in corner kicks.
Lauren Towne made three saves in the Gonzaga net, while Mackenzie Samuel had one save for the Mustangs.
Gonzaga remains on the road at visits No. 17 Texas (6-1-0) Sunday at 12 p.m. Pacific. The Longhorns beat Stephen F. Austin Thursday, 7-0. Sunday's game will be broadcast on the Longhorn Network and ESPN app with live stats on GoZags.com.