A goal by Amelia Villa in the 51st minute broke a 1-1 tie and proved to be the game winner as Westmont Women’s Soccer (3-1-3, 1-0) defeated Biola (1-7-1, 0-2) by a score of 2-1 in the Warriors’ first PacWest game.
“It was a huge improvement from where we have been. The last three games we have not been able to get shots on goal, let alone score,” said Westmont head coach Jenny Jaggard. “Our builds from the back were really patient today and stretched them and allowed us to get into the middle third and create a lot of opportunities.
“Our percentage of possession (58%) was much higher today than it has been in the last three games and we created a lot more opportunities off of it. I feel like we are starting to see more movement up front – the runs and combination play are starting to click in. There is still some organization that needs improved, but it has improved a lot and we are getting shots on goal. We are getting more composed and driving the ball. One of our big goals for this game was to test the keeper.”
Of the Warriors 13 shots, eight were on goal – two more than the previous three games combined.
Amarys Machado scored the Warriors’ first goal to give Westmont a 1-0 advantage in the 13th minute of play. A Biola defender sent a pass across the top of the 18-yard box that was intercepted by Sierra Martin. Martin gained possession about 23 yards out on the left side and passed it to Machado who was just inside the 18 in the center of the field. Machado dribbled diagonally to her left, then fired from about 12 feet out into the right side of the goal with her left foot.
Biola responded just three minutes later when Peyton Nelson scored off a corner kick, tying the score at one goal apiece.
Villa’s goal also came off an intercepted pass out of the back. Villa challenged for the pass outside the 18-yard box on the right-hand side. Gaining control of the ball, Villa dribbled straight to the end line while being closely guarded. However, she gained enough separation to get off a shot with her right foot then buried the ball in the far-side netting.
“It is exciting to get the ‘W’ on our first PacWest game while being on the road,” noted Jaggard. “I am very excited to be finally playing a home game next week.”
After seven road games to start the season, Westmont’s home opener will be on Saturday, October 7 as part of a men’s and women’s doubleheader with Fresno Pacific. The men start at 12:30 p.m. with the women scheduled to kick-off at 3:15 p.m.