Westmont outshot visiting Saint Katherine 30-4 but cashed in just once and ended up playing to a 1-1 draw in a women’s soccer match on a humid Wedmesday afternoon at Thorrington Field.
“Soccer is a game that even if you out-possess and outshoot a team, it doesn’t always get you the result you want,” said Westmont assistant coach Lauren Matthias. “I thought that in the first half we came out strong defensively and were moving the ball well. Tactically, we solved a lot of the problems and found solutions. Obviously, at the half, we would have liked to had a few more in the back of the net, given the chances we had.”
Westmont (4-0-1) scored its goal in the 11th minute off a shot by Grace Duckens from 20 yards.
“Grace Duckens did a good job of staying engaged both defensively and offensively,” noted Matthias. “She had a couple of good shots today.”
Westmont’s lead held up until the 69th minute. The Firebirds’ Leah Cavazos sent a free kick in front of the goal that found teammate Ceirra Little’s head. Westmont goalkeeper Kailey Meyer knocked down the headed ball but hit the deck in the process. The Warriors were unable to clear the ball and Little poked it into the net.
“Credit to Saint Katherine, they were super scrappy and gritty,” reflected Matthias. “We knew they were dangerous on set pieces and unfortunately the goal we conceded came off one of those.”
The Warriors return to Thorrington Field on Saturday as part of a men’s and women’s doubleheader. After the men take on Pomona-Pitzer in a 12:30 p.m. game, the women will welcome the Cougars of Cal State San Marcos for 3:15 p.m. kickoff.