Box Score AZUSA, Calif.– In their first ever athletic contest as an NCAA Division II institution, the Azusa Pacific women's soccer team fell short on a late goal as they dropped a 1-0 decision to Somona State on Thursday afternoon.

The afternoon's lone goal came in the 86th minute when McKenzie Maher took a pass from Brigid Lummas and snuck a shot from the left side past the outstretched effort of Azusa Pacific goalie Sarah Klinkernberg and off the right post.

During the first 45 minutes of action neither team had an optimal chance to put the ball in the net until late in the frame. The Cougars played a ball in the box that appeared to be hit in the hand by a Somona State defender but no whistle was blown and the teams went into halftime scoreless.

Less than five minutes into the second half Shannon Hardy nearly put Azusa Pacific on the scoreboard when Seawolves goalie Allison Hadidian misplayed a ball at the top of the box. A scrambling defensive effort by Somona State kept the score at zeros.

The Cougars had opportunities in the 66th and 69th minutes respectively but loose balls in the box couldn't be converted into goals. 

Somona State, who qualified for the NCAA Division II Championships last season, held a 6-5 edge in total shots while the home standing Cougars took six corner kicks compared to just one by the Seawolves.

Each goalie made one save in the contest.

Azusa Pacific goes back to the pitch on Saturday afternoon when they host 11th ranked Cal State Stanislaus at 2:00 p.m. The game marks an opening stretch for the Cougars where they play three straight teams that appeared in the NCAA Championships in 2013.