(Photo Credit: Doug Pfeiler)
SALEM, Ore. – While playing at the newly renovated CFC Soccer Complex for the first time in Corban history, the Corban University women's soccer team stumbled to Warner Pacific College in the 2017 season-opener, 2-0. The match was a non-conference contest for both Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) foes.
"We go into the game hoping to dominate and play good football, but unfortunately we turned the ball over to the other team and did not follow through with our plan," said Corban head coach Likius Hafeni. "We have some work to do, but I am very positive that we will be improving as we head into our next two games. We are looking forward to our next game and are looking for a positive result."
The Warriors looked to go in front in the first stanza on a couple of chances from Lexi McQueary, but her shots went just wide of the goal twice, keeping the score level at 0-0.
Holly Martinez Moorman then came off the bench for the Warriors and created scoring opportunities right away, firing shots on frame and wide of the goal, but none found the back of the net, leaving the score tied at the halftime break. Corban outshot Warner Pacific, 11-3, during the first 45 minutes.
In the second half, Ashley Giesbers proved to be the difference for Warner Pacific, scoring a breakaway goal first before then blasting one into the top-left corner of the net midway through the second stanza, lifting the Knights to the two-goal victory on the road.
Corban finished the match with 19 shots, while Warner Pacific (1-0) tallied 10. In goal for Warner Pacific, Zoey Dahme played very well, recording seven saves in the triumph.
Corban (0-1) returns to the pitch on Saturday for a match against NCAA Division II foe, Humboldt State University. Kickoff is slated for 2 p.m. at the CFC Soccer Complex.