AZUSA, Calif. – All streaks are made to be broken in the end, and Azusa Pacific's unbeaten run to start Division III play was snapped at eight games as the Cougars fell to 11th-ranked Pomona-Pitzer by a 2-0 final Wednesday evening at the Cougar Soccer Complex.
Azusa Pacific had the first really good scoring chance in the 15th minute. Off a corner kick, Julia Galdamez's header was saved off the line, and despite an open net, Abby Campos's rebound effort sailed over the crossbar. Fourteen minutes later, Lauren Grissom's effort from the right side of the box would clang off the top of the bar.
The rest of the first half passed without incident, and without a Sagehen shot attempt. But the visitors' speed was beginning to take its toll on the Cougar defense. And in the 72nd minute, it finally paid off. A ball was chipped into the box from about 30 yards out, and a half-volley from Sabina Rajalingham beat keeper Paloma Platas to the left side of the net.
If anything, the goal only further energized Pomona-Pitzer, who had multiple chances to extend the lead, with Platas making three saves in the ensuing minutes before the Sagehens would finally best her with another expertly-taken shot on a breakaway with just under five minutes remaining.
The Cougars outshot Pomona-Pitzer by a 12-5 margin for the game, with each team putting five attempts on target. Galdamez, Grissom, and Isabella Santa Maria each had three shots for Azusa Pacific. This was the first time the Cougars had lost a home game since November 6 of last season against Menlo, and only their second defeat in their last 18 home matches (14-2-2). This was the first time Azusa Pacific and Pomona-Pitzer had faced each other since 1992, with the Cougars prevailing in each of the previous two meetings.
Now 6-1-2 on the season, Azusa Pacific will look to get back in the win column as they head on the road to Chapman. Kickoff in Orange this Saturday is scheduled for 11:00 a.m.
