By Clarissa Hidalgo
CSUSM women’s soccer ended their goal-scoring drought today, earning a 6-0 victory over Soka University. The lady Cougars, who had not played a game in two weeks, dominated in the attack taking 30 shots and putting 13 on goal.
#16-ranked CSUSM improves to 5-1-5 this season. Soka is currently 2-8-1.
The Cougars controlled possession of the game, and maintained a solid back line that did not allow Soka any opportunities. CSUSM played an offensive game, creating numerous chances on net.
CSUSM controlled play from the kickoff, but were unable to finish a chance until late in the first half. The first goal of the game came in the 41st minute from Arielle Cohen, who received a pass from Shannon Cox and fired a shot to the back of the net from 25 yards out.
But once the second half began, CSUSM opened the floodgates. Cohen earned her second goal following a rebound off her own penalty kick in the 61st minute.
The lady Cougars continued to look sharp throughout the second half, generating and capitalizing on more scoring opportunities in the attack. Senior midfielder Taylor Schurman and junior defender Breanna Brenton each scored a goal off headers in the middle of the half. With 13 minutes left in regulation, forward Shelby Bush finished a shot in the back of the net with an assist from Taylor Schurman. Senior defender Candace Queen closed out the scoring in the 82nd minute, with an assist by freshman midfielder Mary Green.
Soka’s keeper Katie Olsen had seven saves. CSUSM keepers Kaycee Gunion and Rebecca Delaney combined for the shut out.
CSUSM will play at home again this Saturday at 1 p.m. against Chapman.