AZUSA, Calif. – In less than 48 hours Azusa Pacific has had a setback come in one of the cruelest possible forms.
Concordia scored a golden goal in the final overtime period to post a 2-1 victory against the Cougars.
The loss is the second straight in double overtime for the Cougars and ends a seven game home winning streak. It had been over a calendar year since Azusa Pacific lost a home contest.
"Today was my fault," said head coach Jason Surrell. "I failed to discuss the corner kick play and that's what cost us the game today. I didn't do a good job this afternoon."
The Cougars took the lead in the opening half when Mayra Almazan scored her first goal of the season in the 12th minute. After receiving a feed from Victoria Kovatch, the senior put a left footed boot on the ball that found the far post and gave her team the early edge.
During the remaining minutes of the stanza, there were more combined substitutions (12) then total shots (7) as the defenses settled in. Concordia was able to get two shots on goal but Cougar goal keeper Sarah Klinkenberg was up to the task each time.
Concordia nearly tied the game in the 56th minute but Natalie Wener's shot clipped off the crossbar as the Cougars were able to keep their slim advantage.
Azusa Pacific (5-2, 1-2) put three shots on goal during the next 11 minutes but Almazan, Hayley Patterson and Haley Arft were all denied by Eagles goal keeper Darby Clements.
The soon-to-be full-time PacWest members got the equalizing goal in the 74th minute when Taylor Thurmond scored off a free kick. Thurmond headed home the goal off a pair of passes from Werner and Kryssa Johnson.
In the final minutes each team was able to get off a shot on goal. The best opportunity came in the final minute when Concordia had a corner kick and a header by AnMarie Moreno was blocked by the Cougars defense.
During the first overtime period neither team was able to put a shot on goal.
Concordia got the game winner in the 102nd minute. Alexandra Gerrain sent a corner kick into the box and was eventually control by McKenna Carrillo and her shot found the back of the net.
The final stats saw the Cougars posted an overall shot edge of 15-13; including a 7-5 advantage for shots on goal. Concordia was able to garner a 6-1 edge in corner kicks.
Azusa Pacific continues the homestand with a Thursday match-up against Chaminade at 5 p.m.
