Riverside, Calif. - On the verge of heading into extra time, Sierra Nevada capitalized on a penalty kick in the final minutes of tonight's match to defeat the Golden Eagles by a final of 2-1. The loss drops the women's soccer team to 1-4 on the season. The match was a re-scheduled match from an October 2 match that was cancelled due to snow in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
The Golden Eagles struck first when Jennifer Gonzalez chipped a shot over the head of Sierra Nevada's goalkeeper, to take a 1-0.
Sierra Nevada in turn applied offensive pressure for the majority of the match but the Golden Eagles defense was up to the task.
They were finally able to score the equalizer with a goal in the 32nd minute, when Makenna Hazelton found Makayla Long.
The second half was scoreless until the Golden Eagles were whistled for a foul, inside the penalty box, and Sierra Nevada was awarded a penalty kick with just under five minutes to play in regulation.
Allison Piccinini scored the go-ahead and ultimate game-winning goal.
Despite giving up the two goals, Lauren Holly played a solid match between the posts, tallying a total of 13 saves in the match.
Sierra Nevada held a distinct advantage in shots (29-6) and shots-on-goal (17-5).
The women's soccer team will travel to Soka University on Saturday night for a Cal Pac match-up, followed by a non-conference match at home on Sunday afternoon, as they will play host to Mills College.
