(IRVINE, Calif.) In a matchup between two of the preseason favorites in the PacWest, Saturday's conference opener between PLNU Women's Soccer and Concordia showcased just how close the conference title race could be this year.
All that separated the two teams was a 44th minute penalty kick for the Golden Eagles, which proved to be the difference in a 1-0 win for CUI.
"I'm proud of the group tonight," Head Coach
Kristi Kiely said. "I thought we played well enough to win the game and so did they. Unfortunate to lose on a PK but we also need to take our chances better."
Nicki Friedman forced a pair of saves early in the first half, while
Jillian Tubbs had a shot denied as well in the opening 20 minutes.
The game appeared to be headed to halftime scoreless until the hosts drew a foul in the penalty area and converted the ensuing spot kick.
PLNU searched for an equalizer after halftime but weren't able to direct any of its four second-half shots on target.
"We battled well in the midfield," Kiely said, highlighting the performances of PLNU's midfield trio of Friedman,
Mara Sovde and
Mackenzie Kimmel. "Those three can be very proud of what they did tonight."
Julia Pinnell tied her career-high with seven saves in the loss.
Point Loma (3-2-1 overall, 0-1 PacWest) has a quick turnaround before hosting Cal State Dominguez Hills on Monday at 3 p.m.
The Sea Lions will then return to conference play on Saturday when they welcome Azusa Pacific for a 2 p.m. kickoff.
''Obviously a disappointment to drop a conference game but we also know we have a way to go and many more games to play," Kiely said.
