TMU's defense impresses in narrow senior day loss to APU

TMU Women's Soccer's defense held firm for most of the game, but visiting NCAA Division II Azusa Pacific University was able to break the deadlock in the 83rd minute to take a 1-0 victory on Reese Field on Wednesday.
 
"I was really proud of how organized we were defensively today," Master's head coach Curtis Lewis said. "We did a great job taking a very offensive team that just scored four goals on Westmont on Monday, and limited them to shots outside the box."
 
TMU went against the gusting wind in the first half of the game, with APU limiting Master's to just one shot in the opening 45 minutes.
 
"On the other side of the ball we really struggled connecting passes, especially in the first half," Lewis said. "But going against the wind and limiting them to what we did was very good from our side."
 
The Mustangs started brightly in the second half, with Kyndel Borman's shot on goal in the 53rd minute forcing a save out of the Cougar goalkeeper. Moments later, a handball inside the box earned TMU a penalty kick. However, APU's goalkeeper guessed correctly to produce a save and keep the game tied.
 
"We had our moments for sure to counter and we very easily could have been up 1-0," Lewis said of his team's attack in the second half, with TMU recording five shots in the final 45 minutes, including two on target.
 
With overtime looking likely, the Cougars ensured extra time would not be needed, scoring the game's only goal seven minutes from time.
 
"They finally broke us down as we didn't step well and gave up a free look from 18 out that they buried," Lewis said.
 
Mustang goalkeeper Emy Ramirez tallied eight saves in goal, setting a new career-high in her first season for Master's (7-6-2 overall).
 
"Overall I was very pleased with our defensive structure and the ability to only give up one goal in the last two games," Lewis said. "Being a young team, this game was perfect for us today."
 
During halftime, graduating seniors Payton Williams and Kayla Monick were honored as part of Senior Day.
 
"I'm really proud of Payton and Kayla for their contributions over the last four years," Lewis said.