IRVINE, Calif. – CUI women's soccer went toe-to-toe with fellow PacWest powerhouse Point Loma Saturday night in a non-conference match-up. The Golden Eagles put together a strong second-half push, but the Sea Lions were able to edge the Green and Gold 2-1.
Point Loma struck first in the opening minutes, finding the back of the net in the fifth minute to take an early 1-0 advantage. The Golden Eagles responded by creating opportunities of their own, with Ashley Grubert putting two shots on goal during the opening half. Goalkeeper Christina Sidoti helped keep CUI within striking distance, recording four saves in the first 45 minutes.
The Green and Gold came out aggressive after halftime and quickly began applying pressure. CUI generated 10 shots in the second half after recording three in the opening period. Bella Barrett helped set the tone in the 51st minute, placing a shot on frame that forced Point Loma goalkeeper Cameron Simmons to make a save.
CUI's persistence paid off in the 63rd minute. Sloane De Torres helped create the opportunity before finding Sarah Venegas, who delivered the equalizer for her second goal of the season to bring the match even at 1-1.
Point Loma answered just under three minutes later to regain a one-goal advantage, but the Golden Eagles continued to battle. Sidoti came up with another strong stop shortly after, turning away a Point Loma attempt to keep CUI within one and give the Green and Gold an opportunity to find another equalizer.
CUI continued pushing forward through the closing minutes. Kalli Cho put a shot on goal in the 83rd minute, while Grubert and De Torres each generated late opportunities as the Golden Eagles searched for the tying score.
Despite the 2-1 result, CUI finished with a 13-9 advantage in total shots and held Point Loma to just four attempts in the second half. Six different Golden Eagles recorded at least one shot, while Sidoti finished the night with five saves.
Saturday's contest was the first of two meetings between the PacWest opponents this season, with the match-up not counting toward the conference standings.
UP NEXT: The Golden Eagles will turn their attention to PacWest Conference play as they welcome Hawai'i Hilo to Golden Eagles Field on Saturday, Sept. 26. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. as CUI begins its conference slate at home.
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