Box Score It was a match between two of the top teams in the Golden State Athletic Conference.
And after a scoreless first half, it was Hope International that emerged with the 2-1 win over The Master's Thursday.
It was the first loss of the season for the Lady Mustangs (8-3-2, 3-1-1 GSAC).
"They are the best team we have played all season. They are very good," said Head Coach Esteban Chavez. "But the fact is we have had to deal with some injuries the last week and we are very depleted. It was a very difficult game. But credit to our girls for having to defend for the entire 90 minutes. That says a lot about the culture of our team. The character of these players and what they are willing to do for their team is really appreciated."
The Royals struck first 12 minutes into the second half. It was the first goal the Lady Mustangs have given up in conference play this season.
But that lead didn't last as less than three minutes later,
Ellie Radmilovich sent a pass to the top of the box that was one-touched by
Sinclair Francescon to
Cynthia Ramos, who banged a shot off the left post that crossed the goal line to even the score at 1-1.
It was the fifth goal of the season for Ramos, tying her with Francescon for the team lead.
Then, in the 73rd minute, the Royals made it 2-1 when a perfect through pass enabled HIU's Christiane Sundstrum to pop the ball over a chargingÂ
Autumn Jensen to score her second goal of the match and clinch the win for the Royals.
Both Ramos and
Hannah Burke took three shots, with one each coming from Francescon, Radmilovich and
Kate Merical.
With the loss and OUAZ winning today, The Master's dropped into a tie for second in conference with the Royals. With just two matches left in the regular season and the conference seedings still up for grabs, every game becomes critical.
The Master's will celebrate their seniors this Saturday at Reese Field in the final home game of the regular season. The Lady Mustangs face the first place OUAZ Spirit in the biggest game so far this season. Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m., with the Senior Day celebration starting at 10:45.
