ORANGE, Calif. - With just 29 seconds remaining in regulation,
the Chapman University women's soccer team snapped a scoreless tie
and scored the game winning goal to defeat visiting Pomona-Pitzer
Colleges at Wilson Field on Wednesday evening. The victory improved
the Panthers' record to a perfect 6-0 to open the season, equaling
the best start in school history, last accomplished in 2003.
With time winding down, Chapman earned a corner kick and senior
M Megan Tharp sent a cross in front of the goal
resulting in a scramble for the loose ball by both teams. Sophomore
F Kate Lilly couldn't get off a shot, but kicked
the ball out to sophomore D Rosie Chinen who fired
a shot from the left side of the goalie box. It ricocheted it off a
Sagehens defender and into the back of the net for the game's only
goal.
Chapman had controlled much of the game offensively, in
particular in the second half where the Panthers out-shot the
Sagehens 8-3. For the game, Chapman also held an 11-2 advantage in
corner kicks.
Sophomore GK Chloe Canta was solid once again
in goal for the Panthers, making three saves and earning her fourth
shutout of the season. Pomona-Pitzer (1-4) had its best scoring
opportunity midway through the second half on a corner kick of its
own. Canta was knocked to the ground trying to defend the corner,
got up and made a sprawling save on a rebound and shot attempt by
Pomona's Katy Metcalf.
The Panthers will try to make it seven in a row when they face
Orange County neighbor Vanguard University in Costa Mesa on Friday
at 6 p.m.
Box Score: http://www.chapmanathletics.com/sports/wsoc/2009-10/stats/pp-cu.htm