Box Score Photo by: Tony Leon/ActionWestPhotography.com
WHITTIER, Calif. – Freshman Clarissa Field (Whittier, Calif.) added her first goal of her career and probably the most important one Wednesday evening as she went top shelf on a free kick with under three minutes to play that edged the University of Redlands 3-2 at the Donald E. Graham Soccer Field.
With the win the Poets move to 5-6-4, 3-5-3 SCIAC and remain in the hunt for a Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) berth. Redlands drops to 3-10-1, 2-8-1 SCIAC.
The Purple & Gold came out hot adding two goals in the first half to take a 2-0 lead. At the 8:40 mark, Kaela Reisfelt (Beverly Hills, Calif.) added her third goal of the season getting fed from the wing from Leila Afrasiyabi (Los Angeles, Calif.).
Leah Kolek (Diamond Bar, Calif.) then got into the scoring category in the 30th minute finishing a cross with a beautiful header coming on a free kick from Jenna Muise (Chino Hills, Calif.).
This lead would hold into the half but would be erased by the Bulldogs soon after. Six minutes into the second half, Bryn Anderson would cut the deficit to one that pulled the momentum into UR's favor. The Bulldogs continued to pressure and would be rewarded with the equalizer in the 69th minute as Whittier would deflect a shot into the goal.
From that point, it became a back and forth battle with both teams taking four shots a piece. It would then come down to the final five minutes and off a free kick. A foul was called on Redlands just outside the box giving the Poets a great look on goal with five minutes to play. Field then stepped up and took the shot and went top right corner past a diving Hannah Menk that ultimately became the game winner.
Alexi Cruz (Long Beach, Calif.) picked up the win finishing with six saves between the posts, while Reisfelt led the offensive barrage with six shots. Lauren Kai (Torrance, Calif.) and Field each took four shots.
Whittier outshot Redlands 21-16 and held a slight advantage 3-2 on corner kicks.
Whittier returns to the field this Saturday, October 22 as they travel to take on Occidental College with game time set for 11:00am.
