AZUSA, Calif. - Azusa Pacific returned to its winning ways on Saturday, defeating Vanguard 2-0. 

How it Happened: The Cougars took control of the game immediately, getting on the scoresheet within the opening five minutes. Alexis Fuller stepped up to take a free kick, earned off of a Lions foul. Her shot ricocheted off the crossbar and into the path of a waiting Sophia Emerson, who headed it past the Lions goalkeeper to give the Cougars a 1-0 lead. 

Azusa Pacific doubled its lead in the 29th minute. Avery Guiel beat her defender and sent in a shot from the right side of the box. The Lions keeper got a hand on it but it wasn't enough to deny Guiel's shot, which bounced in to lift the Cougars to a 2-0 lead.
 
Despite its 2-0 deficit, Vanguard didn't roll over in the second half, taking six shots while holding the Cougars to just two. However, Azusa Pacific clung to its lead, not letting up a goal to ensure the clean sheet.

By the Numbers: Each team saw seven shots on goal, two of the Cougars' being on target compared to none of the Lions'. Sophomore Sophia Emerson earned her first goal of the season and Avery Guiel netted her fourth. The Cougars out-possessed their opponent, controlling the ball 66% of the time. This is the first time the two sides have faced each other in 13 years, but the 29th time they have played in total. With Saturday's win, the Cougars improve their overall record against the lions to 25-2-2.

Up Next: Azusa Pacific will travel to La Mirada on Thursday, Oct. 17 to face Biola in a cross-town rivalry match-up. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.