Knights Break Through, Defeat Trinity Lutheran 4-2
PORTLAND, Ore. – Kiara McDonagh scored a goal and assisted on two others to lead Warner Pacific to their first win of 2012 in a 4-2 decision over Trinity Lutheran today at David Douglas HS.
The victory is the first for WP in six tries and the most goals scored in a game since 2007, when WP put in four versus William Jessup.
McDonagh got the Knights on the scoreboard in the 4th minute, as she ranged forward from her defensive spot and pounced on a loose ball in the box after a Hannah Milhollen corner kick.
The visiting Eagles were on their heels, but not for long. For the remaining 39 minutes of the first half TLC pushed forward with several dangerous runs. The WPC back line held firm until the 38th minute, when Malin Ericksson got behind the defense and rolled one past Knight keeper Victoria Clemenson. The Eagles outshot WP 10-2 in the period.
The second half belonged to the Knights, as WP scored three unanswered goals. Senior forward Anna Blakeslee scored her first of 2012 with a rocket from 18 yards in the 64th minute. Just five minutes later, Christina Mah tallied her second of the year from eight yards away to put the Knights ahead 3-1. The score was set up by a long throw from McDonagh that was flicked on by Blakeslee.
McDonagh tallied her second assist in the 76th minute, again with a long throw in from the right side. Her toss bounced through the Trinity box to the foot of Monica Araujo who finished from close range to make the score 4-1.
Trinity Lutheran managed to cash in a consolation goal at the 82:22 mark, as Alex Chick ripped a top shelf score from a tough angle.
Warner Pacific will not play again until September 29th, when the Knights host NAIA #1 ranked Concordia.