AZUSA, Calif. -- Despite controlling possession for most of the game, Azusa Pacific could not quite match an early first-half goal in a 1-0 defeat to unbeaten Dixie State in non-conference action Thursday afternoon at the Cougar Soccer Complex.

Kilee Lamb-Allsop scored directly off a corner kick, sending a ball in front of the goal which bounced once and found its way into the net at the back post untouched in the 12th minute. However, the Cougar defense turned away every other Dixie State opportunity and steadily built its attack with possession throughout the game.

Starting goalkeeper Jennifer Kovisto made two saves and Tatum French, a halftime substitute in goal for Azusa Pacific, stopped one shot in the second half behind a back line which consistently turned Dixie State back on its heels. Although the Cougars were not credited with an official shot in the opening half, they generated five shots in the second half in search of the equalizer.

The closest chance came with just over a minute remaining in the second half, when a corner kick sent in from the left side by Lea Graham was knocked out to the feet of Ella Romero, who knocked the rebound into the crossbar and down just in front of the goal. However, the Cougars were called for a foul for contact with the goalkeeper, giving Dixie State a free kick while preserving the 1-0 score.

Just over five minutes into the second half, a turnover at midfield led to a quick counterattack for Dixie State forward Whitley Johns. French came off her line with perfect timing, forcing Johns to touch the ball to the right for a low-percentage shot from a tough angle, and the Cougars remained within a goal of the Trailblazers. French stopped a similar counter less than five minutes later, this time charging out of the penalty box to challenge Johns and clear the ball from danger.

Emmy Koflanovich and Cara Scammon each recorded two shots for the Cougars, while Kennedy Christie had the team's fifth shot.

With the defeat, Azusa Pacific is now 0-4 on the season while Dixie State improved to 4-0 with its fourth consecutive shutout to start the 2018 campaign. The Cougars visit Westmont for an exhibition matchup on Saturday, Sept. 15, before kicking off Pacific West Conference play with a three-game road trip to Hawai'i.