Alex Blalock scored in the opening minute for the Cavs against TMC on Thursday.
Cavs Top The Master's 2-1 in Season Opener
BOX SCORE: Concordia vs. The Master's
ASHLAND, Ore.—The No. 2-ranked Concordia women’s soccer team opened its season with a gutsy 2-1 win over The Master’s College on Thursday.
Sophomore Jasmin Ayala scored the decisive goal for Concordia (1-0), connecting on a rebound shot from 18 yards out in the 59th minute.
Ayala’s goal came less than four minutes after the Mustangs (1-1) leveled the match at 1-1 with a rebound shot of their own in the 55th minute of the match.
Ayala’s score gave the Cavs the lead for good though, while the Cavalier defense clamped down after the Mustangs goal and did not allow the Mustangs another shot for the rest of the match.
“This was a good early test,” said CU head coach Grant Landy. “They have a good team that will be in the top 25 by the time the season ends.”
Concordia struck first in the match, getting on the board early as junior Alex Blalock connected for a goal just 49 seconds in. Blalock created the chance herself as she dribbled down the left side of the field before kicking it in from 15 yards out.
“The start of the match couldn’t have been better,” said Landy. “I think they were a little anxious, while Blalock stepped up on the kickoff and got a good read on the bounce. Once she got into the box she connected on a low drive for a great finish.”
The Cavaliers kept the pressure on the Mustangs after the goal too, recording four more shots on goal and four corner kicks in the first half alone.
The Cavs could not connect for a second goal before halftime though, while the Mustangs recovered from the slow start to find room for three shots on goal themselves.
“Sometimes those early goals can work against you,” said Landy. “I didn’t feel we let our guard down, but we didn’t take advantage when they were back on their heels. Putting a team away is something we will have to learn.”
Fortunately, CU goalkeeper Tori Talbutt saved all three Mustang shots on goal in the first half, as the Cavs maintained their 1-0 lead into the break.
The Mustangs continued their momentum with their early goal in the second half, only to lose it all with Ayala’s goal soon after.
“I am most proud of how we responded to their goal,” said Landy. “We are going to get knocked down and have goals scored against us, but what I am looking for is the response, and that was a good early sign from our side today.”
Overall, Concordia’s tough second-half defense led to a 12-6 advantage in shots, including an 8-4 advantage in shots on goal. The Cavaliers also recorded a 6-1 advantage in corner kicks in the match.
Meanwhile, Talbutt recorded three saves while playing all 90 minutes of the match in goal for the Cavs. On the flip side, the Mustangs’ Ilyssa Espiritu saved six Cavalier shots in the match.
The Cavaliers will return to action Saturday August 25 when they face Trinity Lutheran at 1:30 p.m.