Kaitlyn Mendenhall earned the shutout in the 1-0 victory. (Photo Credit: Doug Pfeiler)
ROCKLIN, Calif. – Corban University senior midfielder Sierra Brusven (Silverton, Ore.) scored the only goal in Friday's women's soccer contest against William Jessup University (Calif.), leading the Warriors to their second-straight road triumph to begin the 2014 season.
Both sides threatened in the first 45 minutes of the match, registering a number of chances and forcing both teams' keepers into saves. There was no break-through to be found, however, and the game remained scoreless going into the halftime break.
At intermission, William Jessup led Corban in shots, 7-6, while Corban notched a 3-1 corner-kicks advantage.
To begin the second stanza, the road squad came out firing, forcing William Jessup's defense onto its heels. The game winning play began in the 62nd minute when junior midfielder Randi Donahue (Bellingham, Wash.) beat her defender with the ball and whipped in a dangerous cross to freshman forward Sadee Kallis (Yakima, Wash.). Kallis ripped a shot on frame, and after a quality save was made on the shot, the ball ricocheted to Brusven who found the back of the net to put the Warriors in front.
For the remainder of the match, Corban continued to play stifling defense, not allowing William Jessup too many good looks at goal. Senior defender Danni Buechley (Roseburg, Ore.) and senior goalkeeper Kaitlyn Mendenhall (Windsor, Calif.) communicated effectively and led the Warrior defense all game long en route to posting the all-important shutout win.
"It was another good all-around effort today from everyone, and for our team to go on the road and win two difficult games during this road trip, that speaks volumes about the character of our players," said head women's soccer coach Marty Ziesemer. "Our defense has been solid, and we strive to continue to grow and improve as the season moves along."
Senior forward Katelyn Fekkes (Stanwood, Wash.) and Brusven each led the way offensively with three shots for the Warriors as the final shot count ended even at 10-10. In addition, Corban finished the day with a slight advantage in corner-kicks, 4-2.
Mendenhall earned her second win of the young season while posting the shutout and making four saves in the process.
The Warriors (2-0-0) return home for the week before taking back to the road for a pair of matches in the SOU Opening GALA. Corban takes on Menlo College (Calif.) on Friday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. before facing off against Hope International University (Calif.). All games will be played in Medford, Ore. at U.S. Cellular Field.