Mustang News Staff Report
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After a crushing Friday afternoon loss at the hands of Oklahoma State, the Cal Poly women’s soccer team (3-4-0) was able to right the ship in Sunday’s matchup against Oral Roberts (2-3-2), pulling out a 2-1 victory on the road.
The Mustangs came out of the box aggressive and eager to score, creating legitimate scoring opportunities for junior forwards Elise Krieghoff and Sara Epps.
Though the first 45 minutes saw no goals from either team, Cal Poly dominated the first frame. The Mustangs fired nine shots on goal while the Golden Eagles managed only three.
But the second half brought a change of pace, as it was Oral Roberts coming out of the locker room peppering the goal. Less than a minute after play resumed, Oral Roberts sophomore forward Tahlor Lyman scored her first goal of the season on a header assisted by senior forward Megan Giles and sophomore midfielder Megan Guico.
Krieghoff scored the equalizer in the 73rd minute of play, proving why she is the first Cal Poly women’s player to earn an invitation to the U.S.’ Under-23 Women’s National Team Training Camp. Her third goal of this young season was assisted by junior defender Allie Begin.
The next 12 minutes saw Oral Roberts challenge junior goalkeeper Alyssa Giannetti with four shots on goal, but none of them found the back of the net.
In the 85th minute of play, Cal Poly answered with the decisive goal by sophomore midfielder Kendra Bonsall, assisted by sophomore forward Megan Abutin. The game-winner was Bonsall’s second score on the year.
With Giannetti able to save a late shot attempt by Oral Roberts in the 87th minute, the Mustangs secured a narrow one-goal victory against what proved to be a pesky opponent in the Golden Eagles from Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Cal Poly’s next match is against Fresno State on Friday in Alex G. Spanos Stadium.
Keenan Donath contributed to this staff report.