The ninth-ranked Westmont Women’s Soccer team (11-2-1, 5-1) struck for four goals in the second half to defeat San Diego Christian, 4-2, on Saturday, propelling the Warriors into a four-way tie for the conference lead.
It was a frustrating start for the Westmont offense in the first half. They outshot the Hawks 6-1 and went into the break with nothing to show for the effort.
The Warriors adjusted their pace at half time and it paid off in the 52nd minute when forward Isabelle Berthoud blasted home goal number one.
“We came out in the second half and tried to play a little bit quicker,” explained coach Jenny Jaggard. “It was about picking up the exchange from back to middle. That first goal by Izzy, she absolutely ripped a shot from about 30 yards. It was an unbelievable shot and the offense just started rolling from there.”
The host Hawks responded quickly themselves, scoring a tying goal less than five minutes later.
Westmont broke the tie on a crossing play.
“Maddi Berthoud hit a beautiful ball back post to Grace Duckens who was in the perfect spot to put it away,” said Jaggard.
Less than five minutes later, the Warriors scored goal number three off of a corner kick re-directed into the net by freshman defender Taylie Scott. It was her first career goal.
Junior Bri Johnson pushed her team-leading goal count to 10 in the 81st minute off a free kick opportunity.
“Bri took the free kick and the ball hit the wall but rebounded right back to her,” described Jaggard. “So, before anyone reacted, she wound up and kicked it again and this time it went in. It was just one of those weird bounces and it gave us a second chance at it.”
The Hawks added the final score in the 84th minute by Veronica Romero.
The Warriors return home for a Halloween game against Ottawa of Arizona, one of the conference opponents locked into the four-way tie. Kick-off is at 12:30 p.m. Thursday at Thorrington Field.