ASHLAND – Southern Oregon tacked on some style points to its third consecutive victory, a 3-1 decision against Arizona Christian on Thursday morning at Raider Stadium.
The Raiders got each of their goals in the first half – from Ava Johnson in the eighth minute, Cora Thorndike in the 16th and Johnson again in the 19th – including a couple of the flashy variety to win their first-ever matchup with the Firestorm. They're off to a 3-0 start for the third time in team history.
Johnson, the freshman who scored her first career goal in Monday's 6-0 win over Pacific Union, settled in quickly again courtesy of a smooth setup from a couple teammates. Brooklyn Hayes played a ball forward from the left sideline near midfield to Frida Vargas, who redirected the pass to her left on one touch to find a streaking Johnson. The West Sacramento, Calif., product tracked it down and poked it past charging ACU goalkeeper Taylor Wonderly, getting just enough on it to roll in.
Thorndike, the senior who also tallied for the first time on Monday, started her highlight sequence with a short corner kick to Vargas. After Thorndike took a few steps in from the right side, Vargas gave it back to her and she delivered a long left-footed shot that curled inside the left post.
Johnson completed her brace when Miller Bertani sent a free kick toward the goal minutes later. The ball initially went off a defender, but Thorndike was nearby to get a foot on the deflection and find Johnson in space for a centered 10-yard bouncer into the net.
Vargas was credited with two assists, bringing her season total to three. Hayes and Thorndike registered one apiece.
The Firestorm, who dropped to 1-1, got their lone goal on a header from Cami Mercado in the 64th minute. They had three other shots on goal, each of which were saved by Ashlynn Hernandez.
The Raiders are off until Sept. 15, when they play their final nonleague game at NCAA Division II school Stanislaus State (Calif.). They return to Ashland for the start of Cascade Conference play, Sept. 20 and 22 against Multnomah and Warner Pacific.