Box Score (LOS ANGELES) PLNU Women's Soccer sought continued growth after a couple results didn't go Point Loma's way last week to open the new season.
That growth showed on Wednesday night in a 2-0 road victory at Cal State LA.
"It's good to get the win and the clean sheet," Head Coach
Kristi Kiely said. "We hope to learn from each game and believe our first two helped us in this match tonight."
Maddy Saruwatari scored her first career goal for the Sea Lions in the 42nd minute, heading the ball into the back of the net off
Grace Nelson's corner kick was met by
Juliet Thrapp to head the ball back across goal.
After taking a 1-0 lead into the half, Point Loma then sealed its victory in the 84th minute when
Emma Rogers poked home a shot from close range after
Priya Torres' header from
Emma Majors' cross was saved.
"It was fun to see Maddy getting her first collegiate goal," Kiely said. "The second goal came off of some tireless work from
Emma Majors who got off a great service and we had enough in the box to make something of it."
PLNU outshot CSULA 13-7 on the night, including 7-4 in shots on goal.
"Tonight, I thought we finished out moments that we hadn't in the prior two matches," Kiely said. "Whether it's a counter press or numbers in the box, we were sharper tonight. We will need to continue to grow but I'm thankful for some fruit this evening."
Point Loma (1-1-1 overall) now returns home to play against No. 2 Cal Poly Pomona in a rematch of last year's West Regional championship that features the last two national champions.
"This week was always going to be tough," Kiely said. "LA is always a tough opponent and going on the road to them is tough. Pomona on Saturday is the kind of contest that gets you up in the morning. I'm looking forward to continuing to grow."
Kickoff on Saturday is scheduled for 2:30 p.m.
