SAN DIEGO - Cori Deason's two second-half goals led Point Loma's 2-1 comeback victory over Dixie State in the PacWest home opener for the Sea Lions on Saturday, Sept. 24.
 
With the win, PLNU improves to 3-2-2 on the season (1-1-0 PacWest), while Dixie State drops to 2-5-0 (0-2-0 PacWest).
 
Deason's first goal came as the equalizer in the 55th minute when Bella Diaz gave a great lead pass to Deason, who beat her defender to set up a 1v1 with the goalie. The go-ahead score came just 11 minutes later when again the Sea Lions were able to get Deason a 1v1. This time the assist came from the backline as Sarah Steinhaus gave a through-ball pass to Deason already running up the field which got moving forward with momentum and she was able to work her way pass a number of defenders for an open shot. Those were Deason's third and fourth goals of the season.  She is now tied for third in goals in the PacWest.
 
"I was really proud of the way our women attacked today and the defensive pressure helped us win the ball in good places to where we could be dangerous on offense," said PLNU head coach Tim Hall. "That was the key to the game."
 
The Sea Lions had to come from behind for the second time this season after Dixie State posted a goal just three minutes before halftime on a set piece from a corner kick. The defense stepped it up for Point Loma with the deficit and thwarts nearly all the Trailblazers' second half chances. Their best look came in the final minute of the match but again the reliable Ariel Oriarte was there to save the ball for the Sea Lions. She finished the match with five saves, three of which were very impressive.
 
"Our defense is strong and today we started to see it," said Hall. "We finally started to gel. Our injured players are coming back, our fitness is coming back and others are stepping up. We are starting to gel and become dangerous, as long as we don't give up early goals.
 
"It was huge grit from our team today (in the comeback)," continued Hall. "You don't like to do it because sooner or later you will run out. But when you can come back on a team, especially in a physical game like it was out here today, it builds more confidence and resiliency, but I don't ever want to have to come from behind again."
 
PLNU will have another tough challenge on Thursday, Sept. 29 when it hosts Concordia (5-0-1, 1-0-0 PacWest) in its annual Night Soccer Match at 7:30 p.m.
 
"Every one of the matches the rest of the year is playoff games for us," hall explained. "Every game here on out is like a back-against-the-wall playoff game and that is how we are treating them. Today was a positive step in right direction of understanding we have to battle and take care of our business, especially here at home. The team understands what is in front of them and the fight they must bring to the field each match."