LOS ANGELES, CA- The Soka University Lions defeated the Marymount Mariners 1-0 on Friday evening at El Camino College.

With end-to-end action, the two sides remained scoreless throughout regulation play. Despite creating multiple scoring opportunities, both the Lions and the Mariners were unable to convert. Soka's Ashley Bustamante made crucial saves in both halves, keeping her side level with the Mariners and helping to send the match into overtime.

In the 102nd minute of play, the Lions netted the game-winner. Soka's Araceli Soto-Garcia created a fast-break behind Marymount's central defenders to find herself 1v1 with the goalkeeper. Soto-Garcia cleverly slipped the ball into space, finding Roxana Ortiz. Ortiz's deceptive run at the back post caught the Mariner's defense off-guard, and she finished her shot first-time to give Soka their sixth win of the season and third Cal Pac Conference South Pod victory.

"What a great win against a quality opponent tonight," said Head Coach Wendy Espejel. "Going into overtime, we knew that we had to stay organized and look for the right opportunity, which is exactly what we did. Amazing teamwork overall from every player on this team!" 

This is the second time in program history that the Lions have beat the Mariners, with their last victory over the Marymount occurring on Oct. 13, 2016, where Soka produced a 3-1 win.

Up next, the Lions will return home to host the La Sierra Golden Eagles on Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. Before the match, the Lions will be honoring their six seniors Ashley Bustamante, Merina Addonigio, Jenna Jensen, Renee Parado, Jackie Osuna, and Iris Cox.
 

Game Notes: The Mariners outshot the Lions 17-4… Soka's Bustamante made six saves on the day… overall, the Lions are now 2-13-2 against the Mariners.