SALEM, Ore. – A one-goal deficit was quickly erased this afternoon at the Outdoor Athletic Complex, as the Corban University Women's Soccer team cruised to a 3-1 victory over Warner Pacific University, stretching their winning streak against the Knights to nine-consecutive matchups as they maintained their third place standing in the Cascade Collegiate Conference rankings.
"Tonight was a fun game for our Warriors, and a huge bonus to having more of our players back from injuries," explained Corban head coach Travez Whyte. "They played together and for each other with the Warrior mindset. Also, huge shoutout to our Corban staff, faculty and Salem soccer community for the continuous support. All praise to God! Tomorrow is another day to get the job done."
The Knights kicked off the scoring this evening by scoring their first goal in the series since 2020, as a corner kick opportunity by forward Alexi Howard stretched up and over the head of every student-athlete, except for midfielder Madisen Kramer who came off the backline to ricochet the cross into the upper left corner of the net and silence the Warrior faithful in attendance.
However, Warner Pac's lead would stand to last just over six minutes of play, as junior forward Kelli Huskic collected a pass from junior midfielder Alysia Alvarado and drove the ball past the outstretched arms of Knights' goalkeeper Kate Pomerinke, scoring her fourth goal of the season and resetting this contest at one score apiece.
Another six minutes later in the 33rd minute, Alvarado connected for what would turn out to be her first game-winning goal of the season, as senior forward Fatima Jimenez found Alvarado all alone in the middle of the penalty box, allowing the Salem natives to double up their team's score and take a 2-1 lead into the halftime break.
Despite trailing by only a single goal, Warner Pacific just couldn't find a playmaker in the second half in a comeback bid attempt, taking just two shots the entire half and eventually losing their short-lived opportunity for a road draw or win with Alvarado's second goal of the evening and seventh of the season. Sophomore forward Carley Diaz found Alvarado by herself in front of the posts once again, where she jumped from ninth to third in the CCC for total goals this season in the blink of an eye.
Warriors' senior goalkeeper Makida Herbert defended a trio of saves for the host university in her seventh win of the season, while Pomerinke was kept busy all night in an 11-save performance yet dropped her third contest of the season after allowing three goals to the Navy and Gold.
Alvarado led the field with five shots this evening, including four on goal as she was involved in every scoring play for the Warriors. Huskic was right on her tail with four shots and a game-high three shots on goal.
One final home matchup for the Warriors sits between them and a two-week road trip to end the 2023 regular season, as they'll host the Lions of Multnomah University (3-8-2, 1-5-2) at 7pm tomorrow night.
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