Master's Shutout by OUAZ

Despite near identical shots taken, Master's women's soccer was not able to find the back of the net as Ottawa (AZ) defeated the Mustangs 2-0 Saturday in Surprise, Ariz.

OUAZ barely out shot Master's 13-12, with both teams getting five shots on goal. But goals in the 15th minute and in the 69th minute proved costly for the Mustangs (2-6-2).

"It's just something we need to figure out," said Head Coach Curtis Lewis. "Even after we went down 2-0 we created some really good opportunities. But you've got to credit Ottawa for putting the ball in the back of the net. I think we adjusted very well after the first 15 minutes when they dominated us. In the second half it took another 15 minutes to get adjusted. And I told the girls you can't give a team like this corners because they are very good with corners."

In total, OUAZ, which received votes for the NAIA Top 25 in the most recent poll, had 12 corners compared to the Mustangs' seven. But it was more than the 11 players on the field opposing The Master's in this match, according to Coach Lewis.

"To be fair, the referring was horrible in both games," he said, referring to Saturday's match as well the match played Thursday against Arizona Christian. "You can't blame officiating, but in both games in Arizona there were PKs either called or not called that went against us. We just couldn't catch a break."

Hannah Burke came off the bench and got off six of Master's 12 shots. with Brandi Meyer (3), Sinclair Francescon (2) and Hattie Van Bibber (1) getting off the other shots. 

"This week we need to work on finishing the quality opportunities we are creating against these quality teams," Lewis said. "We are almost there, just not quite connecting that final pass. I like this team's spirit and their grit. It's not like the beginning of the year when we weren't creating those opportunities. We are getting those opportunities now."

The Mustangs return home for their next two GSAC matches. First up, No. 12 Vanguard next Saturday at 11 a.m. on Reese Field. If you can't make it to the game you can watch it on GoMustangs.com/watch.