LOS ANGELES, Calif.– Mandy Crawford's goal in the 26thminute would prove to be the winner as Cal Lutheran grabbed an important win over Occidental to clinch the number-two seed and home field in the semifinal round of the SCIAC Postseason Tournament.
The Regals finish the regular season on a three-game win streak and with an overall record of 11-2-3 (8-2-2 SCIAC).
Occidental held the advantage in shots (11-6) on the night but were not able to create enough chances in dangerous areas to put CLU in any sort of danger. Cal Lutheran were clinical with their chances, nearly breaking through on multiple occasions in the first half.
The defensive backline of Katie Weaver, Zandra Stewart, Trinity Martinez and Aly Legrand were in great form, picking up their eighth clean sheet of the year.
The Regals nearly opened the scoring in the 7th minute when Sam Cornejo was found in some space in the penalty area, but her headed attempt was straight at the goalkeeper.
Cal Lutheran worked for another chance in the 18thminute when Janelle Gutierrez tried her luck from just outside the box, but her shot just barely sailed over the crossbar.
After proving to be the much better team in the first half, the Violet and Gold got the goal they deserved when freshman Mandy Crawford etched her name on the scoresheet for the sixth time this season. The Regals would get out to a commanding 1-0 lead in the 26thminute.
Gabby Flores would check into the game in the 14th minute to relieve an injured Alexa Soto and was fantastic between the posts. The junior made four saves and distributed the ball very well from her goalkeeper position.
The second half featured few scoring opportunities for either team, but Danielle Vis, Cate Boller and Cornejo were linking up well in the attacking third of the pitch. Unfortunately, the attacking trio couldn't quite muster the finishing touches to their attacking play, but their presence was felt.
Recording shots on goal for CLU were Crawford, Legrand, Cornejo and Vis.
Cal Lutheran will host number-three seed Chapman for the semifinal round of the SCIAC Postseason Tournament Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. inside William Rolland Stadium.
Box Score: CLU 1, OXY 0
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Release by Jeff Rebello, Assistant Sports Information Director
