COLLEGE PLACE, Wash. – Six different players had goal contributions on Sunday as the Bushnell women's soccer team survived a scare early in the second half, rallying to defeat Walla Walla University, 3-1.
Head Coach
Toni Malone said, "We had a much stronger second half tonight. We came out with a lot more urgency and did a better job of creating quality chances and capitalizing on the opportunities we had."
The Beacons (3-4-2, 2-3 CCC) were extremely active on Sunday, earning a 29-13 advantage in shot attempts against the Wolves (0-6, 0-5 CCC), but it was WWU that would strike first as they scored just 87 seconds into the second half as Vicky Giardina found the back of the net off a pass from Anahi Mora.
Bushnell responded well, however, tying the game in the 66th minute as
Ohu Miles scored off a pass across the box from
Brielle Engle.
Five minutes later, the visitors posted the game-winner as
Anela Leslie punched in a header off a corner kick from
Adrie Lader.
The insurance goal came in the 85th minute when
Deanna Sandoval (pictured) passed ahead to a streaking
Elidia Cervantes Carlos. Cervantes Carlos was left alone against the keeper, who she beat into the left corner of the net.
"Our finishing and overall confidence in front of the goal are really starting to come together," said Malone. "We are finding different ways to create chances, getting more players involved in the attack, and becoming more consistent at finding the back of the net. There are still areas we can continue to clean up, but scoring three goals in 20 minutes shows the attacking ability this group has and the progress we continue to make."
The Beacons celebrated the first career victory between the pipes for senior backup keeper
Brooke Richardson, who made four saves to earn the win. Coach Malone said, "Our senior captain stepped up to play keeper today despite never playing the position before and she was absolutely outstanding. She made some saves and was brave and fearless in the goal. I am incredibly proud of her for stepping in for her team when we needed her."
UP NEXT: Bushnell remains on the road next weekend and will be back in Washington for two more games, beginning Friday at 12:30 pm in Kirkland against Northwest University (3-4-1, 2-2-1). On Saturday they will head to Olympia to take on Evergreen (0-5-2, 0-4-1).
