REDDING, Calif. – Freshman Emily Puita continued to shine in Bushnell's 2-1 win over Simpson, sending in the match-winner to secure a road victory in Monday afternoon's women's soccer contest at the Simpson Soccer Field.
Head Coach Benny Flores said, "I am really excited about the victory! I thought the team showed a lot of grit playing through the heat and the smoke."
The Beacons took a 1-0 lead in the 25
th minute after an own goal by the Red Hawks. Dejah Wallot, who finished with three shots on the match, put two shots on target near the 30-minute mark but Simpson goalkeeper, Kiah Gridley, made the stop on both attempts.
Simpson evened the score with under three minutes remaining in the first half as the teams entered the break tied at 1-1. The Red Hawks finished with a 6-5 edge in shots through the opening 45 minutes, but four of the Beacons' shots were on goal, compared to Simpson's two.
Bushnell continued to put shots on frame in the second half, with the winning goal coming from Puita in the 56
th minute. Karla Cardinal drove a corner kick into the box that found Puita for the 2-1 lead. It was the second goal of the season for the freshman.
Goalkeeper Anabel Mendez and the Bushnell (2-1) defense held off a persistent Simpson (0-2) attack that outshot the Beacons 17-13. However, Bushnell made the most of its opportunities, putting eight shots on goal on the match. Mendez collected five saves for the Beacons.
"This team has shown the ability to play great soccer. I am excited to see them develop as we put in the work to take us where we want to go," said Flores.
The Beacons will have just two days off before hitting the road again to take on Lewis & Clark College on Thursday at 4 p.m.