Click the 'Play Button' on the photo above to watch the video of Corban's goal. (Photo Credit: Doug Pfeiler)
SALEM, Ore. – The Corban University women's soccer team dropped a tough one on Thursday afternoon in its home opener, losing to Pacific University, 2-1. The loss comes despite the Warriors outshooting the Boxers, 16-8, and owning the corner-kick edge, 6-1.
Click the 'Play Button' on the photo above for video of Corban's goal.
"We had a good showing for our first game," said Corban head coach Likius Hafeni. "The team kept to the game plan and we are looking forward to our game on Saturday. I am excited for the way we played today."
The game started off with both sides getting a feel for the new season while working on their shapes defensively, but then Pacific caught Corban out with a shot from distance, as Tia Kinilau found the back of the net from about 30 yards from goal, scoring over the top of Warrior junior goalkeeper Sheyenne Brusven.
Corban responded not long after, however, as after being subbed into the match, senior forward Randi Donahue got in behind the defense and whipped a cross into the box. After the ball was initially cleared by a Boxer defender, Warrior sophomore forward Lexi McQueary one-timed her shot into the left side of the goal from about 12 yards out, leveling the score at 1-1.
At the half, Corban owned the shot advantage, 7-5, and the corner-kick edge, 2-0. The second half started off quickly for Corban as the Warriors fired off a couple of shots early and seemed to be on the brink of finding the go-ahead score.
A Corban miscue in the back, however, resulted in a golden opportunity for Pacific, and the Boxers punished the Warriors for the costly mistake as Emily Thompson scored to make it 2-1 in the 67th minute.
Corban pushed forward over the final 20 minutes in search of the equalizer, but the Warriors were unable to connect. Despite a couple of close looks at goal, the Boxer goalkeeper and defense held strong, holding on for the 2-1 triumph.
In that second stanza, Corban dominated in possession and in shots, owning the 9-3 advantage, but ultimately none of the shots found the back of the net, resulting in the defeat.
Donahue and sophomore midfielder Nadine Correa led the way with three shots apiece for Corban, while a number of players totaled two shots.
Corban (0-1) returns to action on Saturday when it hosts Sierra Nevada College. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at Warrior Field.