AZUSA, Calif. – A strong first half was all the Cougars needed as they knocked off Chaminade 3-0 on Thursday evening. All three net finders came during an eight minute stretch.
The victory snaps a brief two-game losing skid as Azusa Pacific ups their record to 6-2 overall and 2-2 in PacWest games. The Silverswords drop to 1-7 and 0-4 respectively. Azusa Pacific was able to get every available player into the game during the triumph.
"It's always good when we can create as many scoring chances as we did tonight. We knocked it around well tonight. We didn't start particular well but we got into our system and did some good things," head coach Jason Surrell said. "It is always good when we can give some of our regular starters so rest and allow some of our reserves to get some valuable playing experience."
The Cougars were able to dominate from the onset. In the second of their four game homestand, the Cougars held a 14-2 shot edge during the first 45 minutes.
After being held scoreless despite a handful of opportunities in the early stages, the Cougars broke through in the 21st minute. Katelyn Rogers scored her fifth goal of the season when two beautiful passes from Stephen Lossau and Cara Scammon made their way to the foot of Rogers. Her shot on the left side from in close tucked in nicely between the post and the goal keeper.
The Cougars added to their early lead when Haley Arft connected on a free kick from 35 yards out. As the kick entered the box Silversword goal keeper Lauren Ishii went for the ball but collided with a Cougar defender as the ball went to the back of the net.
Mayra Almazan completed the three-goal first half when her left footed boot from 20 yards out snuck just inside the right post.
Chaminade was able to get two good chances in the opening half but both of their shots on goal were saved by Cougars goal keeper Zoey Bauman.
The Cougars continued to test Ishii in the second half but a handful of quality Azusa Pacific opportunities were saved.
Bauman had one save to make in the second half as she preserved the Cougars fifth shutout of the season. The sophomore had to make three saves during the contest.
Azusa Pacific completed the game with a 19-4 edge in total shots while holding a 6-3 advantage in corner kicks.
The Cougars will host Hawaii Pacific on Saturday at 1 p.m.
"We aren't were we need to be yet. There are still aspects of the game we need to get better so we'll get back to work at practice and get better," Surrell said. "I think this team has a great deal of potential."
