Azusa, Calif. - Azusa Pacific women's soccer opened the 2023 season with a 1-0 shutout victory over a strong CCAA opponent in Cal State Monterey Bay on home turf. 

Alexis Salazar scored her first goal in a Cougar uniform, while freshman Sophia Emerson collected the first assist of her collegiate career. Katie Prado had four shots on goal, while Salazar had two and Avery Guiel came up with one in the offensive attack. "Anytime you can start off the year by picking up a win, that's a good way to start." said head coach Brooke Lincoln. "It was a team effort and they figured out a way to get it done." 

How it Happened: Azusa Pacific opened the game and season composed in their formation as they played the majority of the first half on their attacking half. The Cougars registered two shots on frame in the first seven minutes of play and that edge turned into a perfect opportunity for Emerson and Salazar to combine their efforts and find the back of the net. The ball found Emerson in the middle of the field and she relayed it out wide to Salazar at the top of the box. Her left-footed shot over the leaping Cal State Monterey Bay goalie was enough to give the Cougars a 1-0 lead. 

Azusa Pacific had some offensive chances at the start of the second half, but were unable to convert them to goals. The Otters had a late offensive press in the final seven minutes, but the Cougars back line and goalkeeper Maddie Williams were able to halt the threat. The Cougars closed out the first game of the highly anticipated season with a clean sheet, edging Cal State Monterey Bay 1-0. 

By the Numbers: Azusa Pacific held 57% possession on their attacking half throughout the game, while the Cougars had seven shots on target compared to the Otters one. Lincoln utilized 19 of her players in tonight's match while four of her starters were new to the Cougars squad this 2023 season. Michaela Boyd, Gianna Ocello and Williams all played complete games, seeing action on the pitch for the full 90 minutes. 

Up Next: Azusa Pacific will welcome Cal Poly Pomona to the Cougar Soccer Complex on Saturday, September 2nd. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m., following the conclusion of the men's soccer match, and if you cannot attend the game, you can watch HERE. 


POSTGAME INTERVIEW - ALEXIS SALAZAR & GIANNA OCELLO