By Ron Smith
September 7, 2022
 
(SANTA BARBARA, Calif.) Westmont Women's Soccer (4-0-1) hosted the Firebirds of Saint Katherine (1-2-3) for the first time in program history on a hot and muggy Wednesday afternoon at Russ Carr Field. The two teams battled to a 1-1 tie, despite Westmont holding possession the majority of the time.
 
The Warriors, ranked eighth in the NAIA, outshot the Firebirds 30-4 and posted a 9-2 advantage in shots on goal.
 
"Soccer is a game that even if you out-possess and outshoot a team, it doesn't always get you the result you want," said Westmont assistant coach Lauren Matthias.  "I thought that in the first half we came out strong defensively and were moving the ball well. Tactically, we solved a lot of the problems and found solutions. Obviously, at the half, we would have liked to had a few more in the back of the net, given the chances we had."
 
Of note is that beginning this year, collegiate soccer rules have changed so that there is no overtime in regular season games.
 
Westmont scored its goal in the 11th minute off the foot of Grace Duckens. Amelia Villa sent a ball into the middle of the field that Jillian Geist ran on just past the midfield stripe. After a short dribble toward the goal, Geist passed to Duckens who dribbled the ball on a  diagonal in the direction of the left corner, beating two defenders in the process. At 20 yards out, Duckens unleashed a shot that snuck inside the right post for her second goal of the season.
 
"Grace Duckens did a good job of staying engaged both defensively and offensively," noted Matthias. "She had a couple of good shots today."
 
Westmont's resulting 1-0 lead held up until the 69th minute. The Firebirds' Leah Cavazos sent a free kick in front of the goal that found teammate Ceirra Little's head. Westmont goalkeeper Kailey Meyer knocked down the headed ball but hit the deck in the process. The Warriors were unable to clear the ball from the front of the net and after a scramble, Little was able to poke it into the net to tie the game at one.
 
"Credit to Saint Katherine, they were super scrappy and gritty," reflected Matthias. "We knew they were dangerous on set pieces and unfortunately the goal we conceded came off one of those.
 
"Taylie Scott and the back line had a stellar game, stepping in and winning 50-50 balls," said Matthias. "Sadie Hill did a good job of sitting wide and providing good switches for us."
 
The Warriors return to Thorrington Field on Saturday as part of a men's and women's doubleheader.  After the men take on Pomona-Pitzer in a 12:30 p.m. game, the women will welcome the Cougars of Cal State San Marcos to their homefield pitch. Kick-off is scheduled for 3:15 p.m.