The women’s soccer team ended their season Thursday night at Cal State L.A. after losing 3-2 to the No. 3 seed Cal Poly Pomona in the last 20 seconds.
This also marked the final game for seniors Lupe Herrera, Natalie Swift and Claire Mathews. And though the game ended with a loss, the Herrera reflects on the game with positive thoughts.
“I couldn’t be more proud of the girls,” said goalkeeper Herrera.
Despite scoring two equalizers in the 40th and 51st minute by juniors Amanda Mitchell and Tara Kracy, the Sea Lions were unable to run the clock down at the end of the game to maintain the tie.
The Broncos scored in the 90th minute off a ball that was not properly cleared out of the 18-yard box. They capitalized on the opportunity by dribbling around the keeper and putting the ball in the back of the net to take the lead 3-2. With 20 seconds left on the clock, the Sea Lions sent everyone forward but it was not be enough to level the score a third time.
Head Coach Tim Hall said the game was a hard battle, but one that Cal Poly Pomona fought harder for in the end.
“It was a good, strong, hard college game,” said Hall. “Our girls sold it all and I’m proud of them, but Pomona just came our harder in the last 20 minutes when it counted.”
Despite the result of the game, the Sea Lions still made a mark on PLNU history this season. They were the first team in PLNU history to become PacWest Conference Champions. Mitchell was the first to score in Pacific West Conference postseason history.
The team earned PacWest honors as well, with sophomore Ariel Oriarte, senior Claire Mathews and freshman Sami Swanson named All PacWest Goalie of the Year, Defender of the Year and Freshman of the Year, respectively.
