Box Score Photo by: Tony Leon/ActionWestPhotography.com
WHITTIER, Calif. – The Pomona-Pitzer Sagehens needed just a goal to edge the Whittier College Women's Soccer team Saturday night as the Poets fell 1-0 at the Donald E. Graham Soccer Field.
The eventual game winner came right before the half in the 39th minute off a tap-in from Natasha Thornton who was fed from Lindsay Piwinski from the wing. The ball found her head in the box and she was be able to slip it past Poet keeper Alexi Cruz (Long Beach, Calif.).
Whittier (4-6-4, 2-5-3 SCIAC) had a couple great looks on goal in the 19th minute but couldn't convert on either attempt being denied by Corey Goelz. Leila Afrasiyabi (Los Angeles, Calif.) got the first chance gathering a ball off her chest in front of the goal, she would gather herself and would go near post but Goelz would dive to her right keeping the game scoreless.
On the Poets next possession, Lauren Kai (Torrance, Calif.) had a strong look getting fed a nice through ball from Kaela Reisfelt (Beverly Hills, Calif.). She had a 1 v. 1 with Goelz but she too would be denied as Goelz would make another diving save preserving the tie.
The Purple & Gold were outshot 18-6 on the evening but held the advantage on corner kicks 4-1. Cruz despite picking up the loss totaled a season high nine saves.
Miranda Yzabal (Whittier, Calif.) and Kai led the offense each taking two shots a piece with all four being on goal.
Whittier returns to action this Wednesday, October 19 when they host Redlands beginning at 7:00pm.
