Glendale, Ariz. — The OUAZ women's soccer team secured a hard-fought conference point on Saturday evening, battling to a 1-1 draw against the Arizona Christian Firestorm in Great Southwest Athletic Conference action. The result moves the Spirit to 0-2-2 overall and 0-1-1 in GSAC play.
After a scoreless opening half, Arizona Christian broke through early in the second period to take a 1-0 lead.
The Spirit continued to press forward and generated a number of scoring opportunities throughout the second half. OUAZ put consistent pressure on the Firestorm defense with chances from Anjeli DesRosier, Kayla Bedoya, Desiree Dutra, Alee Williams, Grace Otero, and Janessa Lugo.
The breakthrough finally came late in regulation when Jocelyn Smith found the back of the net off an assist from Alee Williams, leveling the match at 1-1 and earning the Spirit a valuable road result. The goal marked Smith's first score of the season.
OUAZ controlled much of the offensive play, finishing with 20 shots and earning seven corner kicks. The Spirit repeatedly challenged the Arizona Christian back line and forced several key saves from the Firestorm goalkeeper.
Defensively, Georgina Hagger anchored the Spirit in goal and came up with important saves to keep OUAZ within striking distance. The Spirit defense also recorded a team save during a dangerous Arizona Christian opportunity in the second half.
The draw gives OUAZ its second tie of the young season and provides momentum heading into another conference matchup.
The Spirit return home on Wednesday, Sept. 16, when they host GSAC opponent Park-Gilbert at Spirit Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. as OUAZ looks to earn its first victory of the season.
