TMU Women's Soccer posts third-straight shutout in scoreless draw

TMU Women's Soccer kept its third-straight shutout to start the 2021 season, but were unable to capitalize on a 28-7 advantage in shots and instead had to settle for a scoreless draw with Southern Oregon on Saturday.
 
"We've had the theme that if we don't get scored on, we don't lose games," Master's Head Coach Curtis Lewis said. "Obviously today was a day we wanted to find the back of the net, but there's something about learning how to not lose games. We're a bit more mature defensively this year, which is exciting."
 
The Mustangs' shutout streak appeared to be in serious jeopardy in just the sixth minute, when TMU fouled SOU in the box with the Raiders being awarded a penalty kick. Goalkeeper Ariana Romero guessed right on the ensuing spot kick, which sailed up and over the crossbar to keep the game scoreless.
 
The close call appeared to be the wake-up call that Master's needed, who began to dictate the large majority of possession. Wing back Emma Hopkins found herself acres of space on the left flank and served in a handful of quality crosses.
 
Forward Kyndel Borman floated out to the left wing on multiple occasions and was able to cut inside on her favored right foot, creating enough space for a shot, but the Southern Oregon goalkeeper was up to the task each time.
 
In the second half, Master's continue to build out from the back and control the passage of play. Anay Garcia was able to wiggle free from her defender multiple times to spark TMU going forward, but the Raiders stayed compact defensively to limit Master's from too many clear-cut scoring opportunities.
 
In the first overtime period, Romero kept the game scoreless with a smart save off her line when the Raiders were able to get in behind the Mustang defense.
 
But the tide turned back in TMU's favor, particularly with just over seven minutes remaining in the second overtime. Borman found herself one-on-one with the Raiders' keeper, who saved the shot, but did so outside of the 18-yard box and was given a straight red card.
 
Immediately after, Borman's free kick at the top of the box missed just wide left, as the Mustangs added extra pressure to the Raider back line in an effort to capitalize on their player advantage. However, the visitors held firm and prevented TMU from breaking the deadlock.
 
"It's a bit frustrating when you outshoot a team, 28-7, but we were not clinical enough in our finishing by any stretch," Lewis said. "I'm not sure how often we got really dangerous in the box, so that's something we have to work on to make sure we can put the ball in the back of the net. Practices this week will focus on creativity and creating chances in the final third."
 
Southern Oregon almost stole the game with under 10 seconds remaining, but Romero came well out of her box to snuff out a potentially dangerous breakaway and preserve the shutout, extending TMU's streak of minutes without conceding to 290.
 
"I was really happy again with our defense," Lewis said, adding that he was also pleased with his team's overall possession and passing. "Now we've gone three games without giving up a goal, and that's with facing a PK and Ari coming up big a couple of times."
 
TMU is scheduled to return to Reese Field on Wednesday at 4 p.m. against Antelope Valley. Watch the match live at GoMustangs.com/watch or follow the live stats HERE.