(SAN DIEGO) PLNU Women's Soccer moved atop the PacWest standings with one game remaining in the regular season after a dominant 2-0 win over No. 13 Concordia on Saturday afternoon.
Priya Torres and
Madison Khan scored within four minutes of each other in the first half to lift the Sea Lions into first place, with a win on the final day next Saturday ensuring the Sea Lions will be crowned PacWest champions for the sixth time in eight years.
"Concordia is always tough and has been for years," Kiely said. "We were prepared for that and obviously there was a lot on the line. We still have a game to go, so we'll talk about that in 24-48 hours, but I am so proud of our group."
Point Loma generated multiple quality chances in the early going before being rewarded in the 25th and 29th minutes with the only goals of the game.
Grace Nelson surged down the right flank before crossing to Torres to finish first time with her right foot, as the junior forward scored for the third time in two games against CUI this season.
Nikki Ross then played a first-time ball forward around the corner to Khan, who took care of the rest and slotted past the goalkeeper to make it 2-0 Sea Lions.
"Maddie Khan is just on another level," Kiely said. "I'm excited for her because I think she's realizing that this year, which is the most fun part. It's what you hope for as a coach when they perform at the potential you see in them.
"Two hustle plays for her and two goals, and many more opportunities created from some hard work by Maddie."
After leading 2-0 at the half,
Maddy Saruwatari slalomed around her defender with ease before nearly making it 3-nil with a shot off the post.
Khan then nearly scored again off a Saruwatari feed, as PLNU outshot CUI 27-14 overall and 17-7 in shots on goal.
No further goals were needed, however, as the Sea Lions held the Golden Eagles without a goal scored for just the second time this season.
Cameron Simmons made a season-high six saves to preserve PLNU's third straight shutout.
"We were trying to be ready for anything that they threw at us," Kiely said. "To be able to create the opportunities we did today, to defend really well against a number of really good players but especially their front two who are rather threatening, I'm just extremely proud of our group."
PLNU has handed CUI (8-2-4 overall, 5-1-1 PacWest) its only two losses this year.
Point Loma (9-2-5 overall, 6-0-2 PacWest) remains undefeated in conference play and clinched a spot in the four-team PacWest Tournament, while increasing its overall unbeaten streak to 10 matches.
PLNU concludes its regular season on Saturday at Westmont. Kickoff in Santa Barbara is scheduled for noon.
"It's a trip, so there are things that come with that," Kiely said. "We're going to have to stay locked in. We have a lot to play for and we're going to have to be really prepared for this Westmont side."
POSTGAME INTERVIEW
