AZUSA, Calif. - Azusa Pacific women's soccer was victorious over Chico State on Thursday evening, earning a 2-0 shutout against a strong CCAA side on home turf. The win is the Cougars first ever victory over the Wildcats in program history. Rilee Bradbury scored her first goal of the season and Angela Cipriano also found the back of the net in the 89th minute for her second goal in a Cougar uniform.

"Chico is always a quality side and it's always a fun match" said head coach Brooke Lincoln. "It's always good to get the clean sheet and Maddie Williams owned her box tonight and kept us in the game with really good saves. It was an unbelievable performance by her."

How it Happened: In the first half, Azusa Pacific played 50% on their attacking half, while maintaining 59% total possession. Both sides saw opportunities and through the first 30 minutes, the Cougars collected four shots on goal compared to the Wildcats three. Through the first 45 minutes, the score remained at a scoreless draw. 

In the 54th minute, Azusa Pacific broke the 0-0 score by way of a corner kick. Bethany Tee took the corner, sending the ball into the box where Rilee Bradbury's volley on the far post banged off the crossbar, which found Aubrey Dunaway, who's shot was blocked by a Wildcat defender. It was ultimately Bradbury who collected a left footed shot off the block to give the Cougars a 1-0 lead. 

Through the next 20 minutes, Chico State found six corner kicks and saw plenty of opportunity on their final third, but Azusa Pacific's back line and Williams were able to halt the Wildcats attack and pass out of it in every instance.

With a minute and a half left in the game, a throw-in by Madison Woodward found Cipriano at the top of the box who's shot got past the diving Chico State goalkeeper to give the Cougars a comfortable 2-0 lead. The final minute played out and Azusa Pacific claimed the 2-0 shutout, improving their record to 3-2 on the season.

By the Numbers: Eight different Cougars had a shot on goal in the match, with Azusa Pacific having nine shots on goal compared to the Wildcats four. Defensively, Azusa Pacific's back line contributed to the team's second clean sheet of the season against an aggressive Chico State offensive who had 10 corner kicks throughout the game. Lincoln utilized 18 different players in the match, with Gianna Ocello, Katie Prado and Williams each playing the full 90 minutes. 

Up Next: The Cougars will travel to Cal State Los Angeles this Saturday, September 16th for another match against a competitive CCAA opponent. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. and if you cannot attend the match, you can watch HERE.

POSTGAME INTERVIEW: HAILEY HILTON & MADDIE WILLIAMS