ALISO VIEJO, CA- The Soka Lions were unable to fly past the University of Saint Katherine Firebirds, falling 2-0.

The two sides remained scoreless until the 51^st minute when Saint Katherine's Isabela Deleon flicked her shot into the goal for the 1-0 lead. Deleon's flick stemmed from a corner kick taken by Leah Cavazos. Cavazos' cross found Cierra Little's head, who placed her shot towards the backpost, where Deleon flicked her chance into the goal.

Despite the Lions pushing to find the equalizer, in the 87^th minute, the Firebirds Veronica Rodriguez converted her chance after the ball ricocheted between players, hitting off of Rodriguez to bring the final score to 2-0.

"I am pleased with the way we are playing and the combinations that are being executed," said Head Coach Wendy Espejel. "After going down in the second half, we pushed for the equalizer, which left us exposed. We are looking to keep pushing forward and getting ready for our next match against Hope International University."

The Lions will return to action against the Hope International University Royals on Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021. Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m.
 
 
Game Notes: Yellow cards were shown to Soka's Iris Cox and Saint Katherine's Brookelynn Anderson. The Firebirds outshot the Lions 19-16, while Soka put eight shots on frame and Saint Katherine put seven on target. The Lions' Ashley Bustamante made five saves on the game.