Women’s Soccer Bested in Battle of Top-Ranked Competitors
| Final | 1 | 2 | T |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Saddleback
(12-0-1, 6-0-1)
|
5 | 1 | 6 |
|
Santiago Canyon
(9-2-2, 5-1-1)
|
1 | 0 | 1 |
Team Stats
Saddleback
Santiago Canyon
| Game Statistics | Saddleback | Santiago Canyon |
|---|---|---|
| Shots (on goal) | 13 (10) | 15 (9) |
| Saves | 8 | 4 |
| Fouls | 12 | 11 |
| Corner Kicks | 1 | 0 |
| Offsides | 1 | 1 |
It was a battle of top-ranked teams on Tuesday afternoon as the No. 9 Santiago Canyon College women's soccer team hosted the undefeated No. 1 Saddleback College Bobcats for the top spot in the Orange Empire Conference (OEC) standings. The Hawks were tested on all fronts and ultimately fell to the Bobcats, 6-1.
Saddleback proved why they are currently recognized as the top-ranked team in the state. Their clinical finishing ability and strong, physical presence caught the Hawks on their heals early.
Despite an uncharacteristically sluggish start that saw the Hawks score one goal to the Bobcat's six, it was the second half that boded slightly favorable for the Hawks. Santiago Canyon fired off 10 shots to Saddleback's four attempts to prove they made solid second-half adjustments.
The Hawks lone score came in the first half on a give-and-go effort featuring freshman forwards Kristen Smick and Samantha Aguila. Smick corralled a free ball and found Aguila open on the fast side pitch. Aguila gathered and put a ball into the box with her outside foot that found Smick's head for the score.
Sophomore midfielder Jordan Salinas led her team with four shots, while freshman Jordyn Lamastra hammered off three shots. Freshman forward Rayleen Chairez and Aguila tried their foot twice.
Sophomore defender Kiera Hanna played all 90 minutes to man the backline. Freshman goalkeeper Grayton Normand (3-1-1) was tabbed with the loss after a four-save effort.