AZUSA, CALIF - Azusa Pacific women's soccer fell 0-1 to the Cal State San Bernardino Coyotes Thursday night, suffering their first loss of the 2022 season. The Cougars allowed the goal off a corner kick by San Bernardino in the 69th minute and were not able to cash in on any offensive opportunities.

"It was an evenly matched game, we had nine shots and they had nine shots." said head coach Brooke Lincoln. "I was a little disappointed in our attack tonight, and we weren't able to put early chances away. When we don't put early chances away, sometimes it comes back to bite us, and we saw that tonight."

How it Happened: The Cougars and Coyotes matched up fairly even throughout the game as San Bernardino saw just one more shot on goal and corner kick compared to Azusa Pacific. In the first 13 minutes of play, the Cougars saw two shots on goal by way of Bethany Tee and Katie Prado, testing the Coyotes goal keeper, who was able to make two saves to keep the match even at zero. Azusa Pacific's backline limited some potential opportunities that San Bernardino foresaw on their attacking half, but the Coyotes still continued to press, challenging the Cougars in possession. Rilee Bradbury attempted to put the ball in the back of the net with four minutes remaining in the first half of regulation, but San Bernardino's goalie collected her third save through the first 45 minutes. The Coyotes came dangerously close to scoring with two seconds left in the first half when they were awarded a free kick just outside the box, but Maddie Williams came up with an incredible save to send the game into the second half with no score. 

The second half provided Azusa Pacific with some challenges, as they surrendered a goal to San Bernardino in the 69th minute off a header from a cross into the box via a corner kick. As the Coyotes continued to challenge on their attacking half and the two teams fought for possession, Azusa Pacific couldn't find any chances to capitalize near the net, ending the match in the game's one-nil result. 

By the Numbers: This loss moves the Cougars all-time record over the Coyotes to 8-5, and 4-2 at the Cougar Soccer Complex. Prado and Bradbury each collected their first shots on goal on the year, and Williams tabbed four saves on the game, recording an 86.4 SV% through the first five games of the season. 

Up Next: The Cougars will continue their non-conference schedule this Saturday, September 17th when they travel to Cal Poly Pomona to face the Broncos. If you cannot attend the game, you can watch the live stream HERE.