SAN DIEGO – It was the first late afternoon game in Point Loma soccer history. And the beautiful sunset over the Pacific Ocean didn't match the result the Cougars were looking for.
The Sea Lions scored a golden goal in the first overtime to post a 1-0 win.
The loss snaps the 17th ranked Cougars eight-game winning streak dating back to last season and moves their record to 5-1 overall and 1-1 in Pacific West Conference games in 2015. Point Loma, who came into the game just outside the top 25, moves to 5-2 and 2-0 respectively.
"The first the half I didn't our composure was great yet I didn't think they created a lot of great chances. In the second half and in the overtime I thought we created good chances and we stepped-up well in a big moment," said head coach Jason Surrell. "We didn't come out on the right side of the decision and it's probably a bit cruel to have a loss rather than draw."
The game winner came in the 93rd minute when Shelby Murphy sent a left foot shot from just over 20 yards out on the right side that tucked just inside the left post. Sami Swanson assisted on the goal.
The low offensive effort was expected with both teams allowing the fewest goals in the PacWest in each of the last two seasons. Despite the lack of offensive punch, the contest did not lack excitement and drama.
A physically played first half saw the teams combine for 20 total fouls and two yellow cards. With 10 total shots only one of them was on goal as a majority of the half was played in the middle of the field.
Dottie Rhoten had a free kick from 25 yards out was the best chance early on for the Sea Lions while the Cougars had two corner kicks sent into the box but none of those opportunities produced a shot on goal.
Rhoten had another free kick chance but her attempt from just outside the top of the box in the 28th minute was driven right into the wall. In the final minute Haley Fisher had the best chance for a Cougars goal when a perfectly placed ball from a Brooke Gower was headed just wide of the goal.
The physical play continued in the second 45 minutes as Point Loma committed 12 fouls for the second consecutive half while Azusa Pacific was whistled for eight. The only shot on goal in the stanza came in the 61st minute when Haley Williamson put one on frame but Ariel Oriete made the routine stop.
Mayra Almazan put a shot on frame a minute into the extra session but Oriete made an outstretched diving save off her finger tips. The Cougars couldn't convert on the ensuing corner kick. The Sea Lions scored the game's lone goal less than 90 seconds later.
Unfortunately the wins have been tough to come by recently for the Cougars at Point Loma. Azusa Pacific is 0-3-1 in their four matches with their road win against the Sea Lions coming in 2009. The Sea
Lions came into the game as the defending league champ and preseason favorite. Azusa Pacific was picked third. Each team has 11 conference games left.
"We still have to stay focused and while one game sounds cliché that's what we have to do. They have some tough road games left. I'd be surprised if someone went undefeated in this conference," Surrell said.
