ALISO VIEJO, CA- The Soka University Lady Lions were defeated by the Ottawa University of Arizona Spirit 6-1 on Thursday evening at the Lion's Den Soccer Stadium.

The Spirit took an early lead, scoring two and half minutes into the match. Ottawa's Kiiaweau Aweau converted her chance after Breanna Brummet served a driven cross into the box to Aweau. Aweau took her first touch with her instep, and slotted her shot back post to give her side the 1-0 advantage.

Ottawa's Saipress Jones netted back-to-back goals in the 20^th minute and the 48^th minute, providing the Spirit a 3-0 lead with 40 minutes left to be played on the clock.

Soka's senior forward Jordan Pritzl tallied her first goal of the 2019 season in the 53^rd minute, after receiving the ball inside of the 18-yard box from first-year striker Araceli Soto-Garcia. Soto cleverly slipped her pass through the Spirit's back line finding Pritzl in stride. Pritzl collected the ball to her right, and placed her shot low, and into the back post to put the Lady Lions on the scoreboard.

Soka's Pritzl and Soto also forced Ottawa's goal keeper Krysten Caballero to come up with two acrobatic saves to deny the Lionesses of their scoring opportunities. Despite several other chances created from Soka's sophomore holding midfielder Jenna Jenson, and first-year left winger Roxana Ortiz, Soka was unable to find the back of the net again.

Ottawa's Cassidi Calzaretta (2) and Kaycee Youngs (1) combined to score three more goals for the Spirit in the 64^th, 76^th, and 85^th minutes of play, bringing the final score to 6-1.

"Our ladies faced a very talented Ottawa team tonight," said Head Coach David McLeish. "I thought our team played well, created several strong chances, and made multiple big-time defensive plays. The end score does not quite reflect the overall quality of our play.  I am very proud of our team, and I am confident that if they continue to play with the drive and passion that they have shown throughout these past six games they will do very well in Cal Pac Conference play."

Soka opens up California Pacific Conference play at home on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2019. They will host Providence Christian College for Soka's Annual 'LGBTQ+ SportSafe Pride Night' match. Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m.
 
 





 
NOTES: This is the second meeting between Soka University and Ottawa University… The Lady Lions are now 0-2 against the Spirit… The last time these two sides faced was on Aug. 28, 2017 when Ottawa defeated Soka 3-0… Soka's Ashley Bustamante made seven saves on the night.