LOS ANGELES – It only takes one.
Katelyn Rogers scored in the second minute as Azusa Pacific knocked off No. 14 Cal State L.A. 1-0 on Saturday evening.
The victory gives the Cougars four straight wins to start the season with all the victories coming against California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) schools. Azusa Pacific is the first PacWest Conference school to start a season with four consecutive wins against the CCAA.
Furthermore, the stout Azusa Pacific continues to thwart the opposing offense. The Cougars have yet to allow a goal this season. Dating back to 2014, they have recorded seven straight shutouts and have allowed just one goal in their last 13 games. From a defensive standpoint it is the best 13-game stretch in school history.
"I like where we are right now. It's a great start so we will take a few days to recover before PacWest play begins," head coach Jason Surrell said. "We still have improvement to make but I'm satisfied with how we are playing through the first four games."
The only net finder on Saturday was set-up when Haley Arft sent a corner kick into the box. After Victoria Kovach put a head on the ball, Rogers was able to control the ball before depositing the ball in the back of the net.
Cal State L.A. (0-2-1) responded to their deficit as they were able to pressure the Cougars time-and-time again but Azusa Pacific was up to the challenge.
"We got a bit complacent after we scored our goal and give them credit because they played well. In the second half we picked our momentum up and were able to start attacking. We got the ball on the outside and were able to generate some opportunities."
Even though the Cougars couldn't capitalize on those chances on the scoreboard, their improved offensive effort kept the Golden Eagles out of their offensive end.
Cal State L.A. held a slight edge in overall shots (13-9) while each team took five corner kicks.
Zoey Bauman, in her first start of the season, earned the win in front of the cage with five saves.