By Ron Smith
September 15, 2017
 
(AZUSA PACIFIC, Calif.) A pair of goals by Jackie Lopez and another by Renee Gonsalves gave #6 Westmont Women's Soccer a 3-2 victory over Azusa Pacific – the first win over the Cougars since 2009.
 
"Competing against a grounded program such as Azusa Pacific is always an exciting match to be a part of," said Westmont head coach Chantel Cappuccilli. "Our team embraced the challenge and continued the Westmont-Azusa Pacific rivalry well."
 
The game didn't start as well as the Warriors would have liked, giving up a goal in just the second minute of play. Azusa's Stephanie Lossau scored from 15 yards out after receiving a pass from Kelsey Bushman.
 
"After getting scored on in the initial minutes of the game, we didn't drop our heads," said Cappuccilli. "We were able to work our way back into the half, finding a rhythm as the minutes progressed."
 
The Warriors and Cougars would play scoreless soccer the rest of the opening frame. That would change, however, in the second minute of the second half.
 
"We opened the second half strong, putting pressure on their back line immediately," said Cappuccilli. "That, in turn, created an opportunity for our front players to go to goal.
 
"Bri (Johnson) played a beautiful ball that split their center backs. Jackie burst into the space one-on-one with a defender. She muscled her way to score and finish the equalizer."
 
Less than seven minutes later, Lopez struck again.
 
The second goal came from the width," described Cappuccilli. "Savannah (Scott) broke up the line and served a cross into the box. Again, Jackie was there and had a composed and mature finish."
 
It took just over five minutes for Azusa to regroup and tie the game at two goals apiece. Lossau passed the ball from the right side into the box and Emilie Allum chipped in the shot past the goal line.
 
Less than a minute and one-half later, Gonsalves headed in the game winner
 
"We had a direct free kick on the left side of the 18-yard box," explained Cappuccilli. "Haylee Lopes served in a well-weighted ball that Renee timed perfectly.
 
"This was an important victory for our team," said Cappuccilli. "I had a moment after the game when I watched them jog to the other side of the field to thank our fans. I thought, 'Wow, that's my team.' I feel honored to have the opportunity and responsibility to coach them. They are a team that represents Westmont and the legacy of Westmont Women's Soccer well."
 
The win brings to an end the non-conference season for the Warriors. Next week, Westmont will open Golden State Athletic Conference play with a couple of home games at Thorrington Field. On Thursday, Westmont will host William Jessup at 1:30 p.m. Then on Saturday, the Warriors will welcome the Oaks of Menlo to Santa Barbara for a 2:30 p.m. game.