REDLANDS, Calif. – Whittier took on the Redlands Bulldogs on Saturday in a back-and-forth affair. Despite a late goal from Adina Johnson, the Poets fell 2-1 in a closely contested matchup.
The Bulldogs came out firing, recording four shots within the opening 11 minutes. Goalkeeper Sofia Lopez was tested early but made crucial saves to keep the game scoreless.
In the 24th minute, Redlands capitalized on an opportunity and broke the deadlock to take a 1-0 lead.
Following the opening goal, Whittier turned up the pressure, challenging the Bulldogs' goalkeeper with attempts from Vivian Martinez, Vanessa Longmire, Johnson, Angela Espinoza and Nena Resendiz Saldiva.
However, Redlands struck again in the 38th minute, doubling its advantage to 2-0.
The first half concluded with the Poets having recorded eight shots.
Whittier maintained its offensive pressure throughout the second half, creating several scoring opportunities but struggling to find the finishing touch.
In the 89th minute, the Poets' persistence finally paid off when Johnson found the back of the net for her first goal of the season. Resendiz Saldiva provided the assist to cut the deficit to 2-1.
Whittier held the advantage in both shots (20-19) and corner kicks (7-5), reflecting its determined effort throughout the contest.
The Poets return to Memorial Stadium on Wednesday, Oct. 14, to face the Caltech Beavers at 5 p.m.
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