WHITTIER, Calif. – The Whittier College women's soccer team found another way to protect its home field Saturday morning.
Danielle Bard and Audrey Burgmaier each scored, Sofia Lopez made two critical saves, and the Poets stayed perfect to begin the 2026 season with a 2-1 win over Concordia University at Memorial Stadium.
The win moved Whittier to 2-0 on the year and continued the Poets' six-game season-opening homestand.
Whittier controlled much of the first half, outshooting Concordia 8-3 before the break and putting five shots on goal in the opening 45 minutes.
The Poets broke through in the 23rd minute.
Bard found the back of the net for the first goal of the match, giving Whittier a 1-0 lead and setting the tone early. The goal was another strong attacking moment for the Poets, who continued to create chances throughout the first half.
Logan Bays helped keep pressure on the Tornados, finishing with a team-high four shots and putting two on frame. Bard also put both of her shots on goal, while Victoria Martinez added another shot on target.
Whittier's back line helped protect the lead heading into halftime. Tove Karlsson and Vivian Martinez each played all 90 minutes, while Mia Cordova logged 81 minutes and Aleena Galvan added 83. The group helped hold Concordia to just three shots on goal for the match.
Lopez handled the work in goal, playing the full 90 minutes and making both of her saves in the first half. After recording a shutout in the season opener, Lopez helped guide the Poets through another strong defensive effort.
Whittier added what became the game-winning goal in the 71st minute.
Burgmaier came off the bench and made the most of her time on the field, scoring in just 15 minutes of action to push the Poets' lead to 2-0. The goal was the first of Burgmaier's career and gave Whittier an important cushion late in the match.
Concordia answered less than two minutes later, cutting the lead to 2-1 in the 73rd minute, but the Poets held firm the rest of the way.
Whittier did not allow another goal over the final stretch, closing out the win and keeping its unbeaten start intact.
The Poets finished with an 11-7 advantage in shots and a 7-3 edge in shots on goal. Whittier also earned four corner kicks while holding Concordia to two.
Bays led the Poets with four shots, while Bard added two. Annabelle Allison, Veronica Pérez, Shelby Page, Victoria Martinez, and Burgmaier each recorded one shot.
The win continued a strong opening week for Whittier, which has now scored five goals through its first two matches of the season.
The Poets continue their season-opening homestand on Sunday, September 6, against Marian University. Kickoff is set for 9 a.m. at Memorial Stadium.
