The Master's University women's soccer team's path to the program's first-ever conference title is no longer simple, or for that matter likely. But the Mustangs hope Wednesday's 2-0 loss to San Diego Christian will set them on sure footing when the postseason arrives.
"It really gives an opportunity to right the ship and get things where they need to be before single elimination," said head coach Curtis Lewis. "I expect this loss to vault us back to where we need to be."
Master's (10-4-3, 5-2 GSAC) entered the week on a five-game winning streak and two wins away from securing at least a share of the first Golden State Athletic Conference regular season title in program history. But after San Diego Christian (6-11, 3-5) scored two first-half goals and earned its third shutout of the season, the Mustangs would need significant help from more than one team to finish atop the standings.
A more likely scenario is that Master's will host a first round GSAC quarterfinal on Nov. 9. Lewis hopes the Mustangs will use their practices sessions and Saturday's regular-season finale against Ottawa University Arizona to return to the basics.
"Can we figure out how to right the ship and take the effort and translate it to good decision making, good runs, passes and traps and ultimately being calm enough to put the ball in the back of the net?" Lewis said.
The Mustangs outshot San Diego, which was playing its final game of the year, 19-4, with a 6-3 advantage in shots on goal.
Kaylee Cruz opened the scoring with an unassisted goal in the 28th minute, and Olivia Arguilez scored four minutes later to double the advantage.
"We need to regroup and see what we're made of," said Lewis.
