Cornerstone Spoils Warrior Women’s Soccer Season Opener With 3-0 Victory

8/21/2019 10:29:00 PM

Brendan Sweany, Athletic Communications Graduate Assistant

SALEM, Ore. – There was a sense of excitement in the air on Wednesday night prior to the start of the Warrior women's soccer season opener against Cornerstone University at the CFC Soccer Complex. Unfortunately, the visiting Golden Eagles spoiled the night with a 3-0 triumph over the Navy and Gold.

The game started at a frantic pace, with Cornerstone holding possession for the majority of the first half of play. It seemed unlikely that the team would be able to maintain this up-tempo style of play for a full 90 minutes, but the score at the final horn demonstrated the squad's ability to apply relentless offensive pressure.

"We started a little slow tonight and we got behind early, so we had to chase the game a bit," said head coach Derek Faulkner. "But the effort and intensity in our second half was something I'm really proud of. The team fought until the last minute, and that speaks really highly of this group. We are going to get back to work and continue to get better."

The box score did not look nearly as lopsided as the final score read. In fact, Cornerstone only outshot Corban 15-14. Of the on-goal variety, the Golden Eagles registered nine shots, while the Warriors registered just five.

Phoebe LaCroix opened the scoring in the 31^st minute for Cornerstone on a beautiful header off of a cross from Anna Morgan. Then, just four minutes later, Jozlyn VanTol added a goal of her own on a breakaway chance that resulted in a one-on-one opportunity with goalkeeper Elizabeth Brock. That would halt the scoring in the first half as the Warriors reached the midway point trailing 2-0.

In the second half, Makayela Shepperd took advantage of a rebound chance off a shot by VanTol, effectively sealing the contest in the 79^th minute.

For the Warriors, Annouscka Kordom proved to be a force to be reckoned with as she flew around the field with intent, registering two shots, one of which was on-goal.  

After a short hiatus, Corban (0-1) will look to get into the win column against cross-town rival Willamette University on August 30. The game is set to kick off at 7 p.m. at Sparks Field.