CLAREMONT, Calif. – The Cal Lutheran Regals undefeated streak came to an end Wednesday night as they fell to the Pomona-Pitzer Sagehens 1-0. The goal is just the second the team has allowed in their first seven games of the season.
The loss breaks a six-game clean sheet to start the year and moves the team to 4-1-2 overall and 3-1-1 in Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play.
The Sagehens opened with the decisive goal just 16 minutes into play by Anna Ponzio, her first of the season. The freshman found just enough space through the Regals defense to take a shot from the left side, that curtailed off the right post and to the back of the net to bring the score to 1-0.
Though the Regals took three shots on goal to try and find an equalizer, all three attempts were thwarted by Sagehen keeper Isa Berardo. Cal Lutheran's first shot on target, came from sophomore Trinity Martinez in the 32nd minute with a dangerous shot from 30 yards out but straight on line to the keeper.
The second shot came less than a minute later after a free kick was awarded to Cal Lutheran less than two yards outside of the box. Freshman Danielle Vis marked up to take the kick and shot the ball directly to the top left corner of the goal, but was barely knocked away by the keeper.
Down by one entering the second half, the Regals entered freshman Alexa Soto in between the posts for starting keeper sophomore Gabby Flores who exited the match with two saves. Soto immediately made her presence known, saving a sharp shot from the left with a diving stop in the 67th, to keep the score within one.
Pushing for their one last chance, sophomore Alexandra Fagerberg found one last opportunity in the 84th minute, taking a shot from shallow right with pressure from a sliding defender, but curved just inches wide and rattled off the cross bar.
The Regals look to get back on track against Whittier next Wednesday, September 26, at 7 p.m. PST inside William Rolland Stadium.
Box Score: PP 1, CLU 0
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Release by Christy Effendie, Assistant Sports Information Director
