Cougars Claw Past Toros in 1-0 Decision

Box Score

CARSON -- Visiting Azusa Pacific dominated play to the tune of a 16-3 shot advantage, and used a score with less than five minutes left in regulation to take a 1-0 decision over Cal State Dominguez Hills on a windy evening in Toro Stadium.

Jennifer Ackerly repelled six shots, including a couple from point blank range, as CSUDH remained winless in dropping to 0-4-1 on the year. APU, meanwhile, picked up its first win of the year to move to 1-4.

The Cougars dominated the first half, out-shooting the Toros 8-0 in the first 45 minutes of play. APU had a golden opportunity early after a Toro defender was called for a hand ball in the box, giving the Cougars a penalty kick attempt in the ninth minute.

Ackerly, however, was more than up to the challenge, stoning Mayra Almazan's blast by diving to her left to deflect the would-be goal.

That's where the score remained until the second half, when the Toros got their offense going as well.

Johana Rosas, who saw all 45 minutes of the second half, was hard to contain, penetrating the Cougar defense repeatedly only to be swarmed upon near the APU net.

CSUDH finally got its first shot off, courtesy of a Naomi Linares attempt in the 58th minute, only to be saved by Cougar keeper Sarah Klinkenberg, who made two on the night.

APU finally broke through at 85:16 as Almanzan made up for her missed PK attempt, belting a 25-yard free kick into a crowd that eluded Ackerly's grip for a 1-0 lead.

The Toros got off their final attempt in the 89th minute, but an Alexandria Gambala attempt met Klinkenberg's hands, keeping the shutout intact.

APU ended with nine corners compared to three for the hosts.

CSUDH will host UC San Diego in a non-conference match-up on Friday, with first kick set for 6:00 pm.

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