ESPINOZA A WALL AGAINST CANYONS, MARAUDER WOMEN'S SOCCER LOSES TOUGH MATCH

Photo by Bruce Jacobsen

VALENCIA - It was a tough battle with first-place College of the Canyons, but it was one goal that got out of the reach of Marauder goal keeper Gabriela Espinoza and that proved to be the game-winner as AVC left Canyons Stadium still searching for its first conference victory after suffering a 1-0 loss to the Cougars, Tuesday afternoon at College of the Canyons.

Espinoza was stout and had a season-high 21 saves, but it was a goal by Taylor Lopez in the 52nd minute which sealed the Marauders' (5-8-6, 0-5-1) fate. After an impressive start to the season and entering conference play, AVC is 1-6-3 in its last 10 matches.

"The girls battled throughout the entire game," AVC head coach Charles Gordon said. "They played with great work ethic and pride, just unfortunately we conceded that one goal and we missed some solid opportunities to capitalize on."

The Cougars (12-3-1, 6-0), which remained in first place atop the Western State Conference-East Division, kept the pressure on the Marauders defense as they outshot AVC 34-2. Cindy Martin had the only shot on goal which was saved by Kiana Hemphill.