ALISO VIEJO, CA- The Soka University Lady Lions defeated the University of Saint Katherine Firebirds 2-0 on Friday night at the Lion's Den Soccer Stadium.

With end to end action, and Soka outshooting the Firebirds 12-6 in the first 45 minutes of play, sophomore midfielder Iris Cox scored the Lions' go-ahead goal with only 18 seconds remaining on the clock until halftime. The goal stemmed from the Firebirds playing a short goal kick centrally. Cox read the pass, and intercepted the ball at the top of the Firebirds penalty box. She took a touch to her right, and slotted her shot low, into the back post to give Soka the 1-0 lead at halftime.

Soka's Yuka Hombo added an insurance goal four and half minutes into the second period, off of a cross from fist-year striker Araceli Soto-Garcia. Soto received the ball off of sophomore outside back Merina Addonigio's service behind the Firebirds' defense. Soto cut the ball to her right, and served her cross low, second-six. Hombo crashed the goal, beat her defender with her run, and finished her shot high and into the upper-V to give the Lady Lions the 2-0 win over the Firebirds.

"It's good to get back on the winning track," said Head Coach David McLeish. "Our team put together an organized and intense team defensive effort that led to a lot skillful attacking, which ultimately secured the win."

Up next, Soka will travel to Redding, CA, to continue California Pacific Conference play when they face the Simpson University Red Hawks on Friday, Oct. 18, 2019. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m.
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES: Soka is now 6-5 overall and 1-3 in Cal Pac Conference play… this is the fourth meeting between Soka University and University of Saint Katherine… The Lady Lions are now 4-0 against the Firebirds… SUA outshot USK 21-8… Soka's Cox scored her second career goal and first goal of the 2019 season…  Hombo scored her second career goal and second goal of the season… Soka's Soto led the Lady Lions with six shots … Soka's sophomore goalkeeper Ashley Bustamante made four saves on the day.