FULLERTON, Calif. --- UC Irvine women's soccer suffered its first setback of 2022 falling at crosstown rival Cal State Fullerton, 2-1, in a non-conference matchup on the road.
FIRST HALF FINDINGS
Both sides were on the front foot early with offensive chances either way. Five shots in the first 15 minutes including a pair by the Anteaters (1-1-1). Cal State Fullerton (1-1-1) directed a few of their chances on frame that needed saving from
Glo Hinojosa until they found a breakthrough.
In the 18th minute. a brilliant run through the midfield by Madison Kline led to a feed ahead to Emelia Owen who slipped a chance around Hinojosa to give the early lead to the Titans, 1-0.
UCI quickly responding sending forces forward, and on the match's next shot equalized.
Sophie Gillies was taken down in the box putting the ball on the spot for fellow sophomore
Desiree Mendoza who finished the penalty kick in the 23rd minute and tie the match at 1-1.
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HEADED OUT
The contest stayed knotted at the halfway point, and the second half saw 1-1 continue through the first 15 minutes with few opportunities allowed by either defense.
The 63rd minute was the difference as the Titans kicked it around along the far sideline before Karla Rodriguez punted a cross in from the sideline right to Collette Ledden heading in a score to give the lead back to Cal State Fullerton, 2-1.
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UCI charged hard with multiple chances through the final 27 minutes. A free kick in the 75th minute was cleared right to
Lilli Rask at the top of the box whose return shot just lofted over the bar. The Anteaters were on the attack five minutes later leading to a cross right at an unmarked
Laila El Behery in the box, but her header landed right in the mitts of keeper Mia Ranson.
FINAL SCORE: CAL STATE FULLERTON 2, UC IRVINE 1
The loss is the first of the season for the Anteaters who had picked up votes in the United Soccer Coaches poll this week for the first time since 2011. It was also the first two goals allowed of 2022 as Hinojosa and the 'Eaters had allowed just three goals in their last 793 minutes entering Thursday.
Mendoza accounted for the lone tally, the fourth in her second year as an Anteater and first that didn't result in a game-winner.
Tati Fung again led all players in shots with four. A number of Anteaters also made their debuts with
Gracie Haley gracing the starting lineup in her collegiate debut and off the bench was
Jenika Davis making appearances in each half for her first collegiate action.
The sides will meet again in early October for a match that counts in the Big West standings on October 2 in Anteater Stadium. Next up for coach Juniper's squad is the first of three straight home matches on Tuesday, August 30, as UCI hosts Nicholls for a 7:00 p.m. kickoff.
