Irvine, Calif. — The OUAZ women's soccer team wrapped up its Southern California road trip on Saturday afternoon with a 2-0 loss to Hope International in Great Southwest Athletic Conference action. The setback moves the Spirit to 3-4-3 overall and 2-3-2 in GSAC play.
OUAZ competed evenly with the Royals throughout much of the contest, finishing with nine shots and three corner kicks while holding Hope International to just 10 shots. The Spirit saw several quality chances throughout the match but were unable to find the breakthrough goal.
The best opportunities for OUAZ came from Meredith Galus, who recorded both of the team's shots on goal. Galus tested the Royals' goalkeeper with a first-half effort in the 29th minute and another chance in the 70th minute as the Spirit searched for an equalizer. Anjeli DesRosier and Janessa Lugo each recorded two shots, while Alee Williams, Paytyn Okey, and Saoirse Clarke added attempts of their own.
Hope International broke through in the 31st minute when Karissa Frerichs scored off an assist from Kalia Lanoza, giving the Royals a 1-0 advantage heading into halftime. Despite trailing, OUAZ remained within striking distance thanks to several key defensive plays and strong goalkeeping.
Goalkeeper Eerika Erjansalo turned in another solid performance between the posts, recording five saves. Four of those stops came during a busy first half as the Royals applied pressure offensively. Erjansalo helped keep the match a one-goal game well into the second half and gave the Spirit opportunities to battle back.
OUAZ continued pushing forward after the break, creating chances and applying pressure as the match entered its final stages. However, a second goal from Frerichs in the 71st minute extended the Royals' lead to 2-0. The Spirit continued to compete until the final whistle but were unable to cut into the deficit.
The Spirit will return home on Thursday, Oct. 8, when they host GSAC rival Benedictine Mesa at Spirit Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. as OUAZ looks to return to the win column and continue its push through conference play.
