Women’s soccer soars
The Eagles fly into a successful season with a 5-0-1 record and a hat trick from Venegras.
Senior midfielder Amanda Lillicrop competes for the ball at the game against Concordia University last season. | Jenny Oetzell/THE CHIMES [file photo]
September 16, 2015
Everything is working in favor of the women’s soccer team. So far this season, the Eagles have yet to lose a match and hold a 5-0-1 record. This record places them second in their GSAC division, behind the 5-0 William Jessup College.
FUELING THEIR OFFENSE
Offensively, the Eagles’ record shows only one game where they only scored one goal, while the rest have been won with two goals or more. A majority of the power that has fueled their offense has come from sophomore forward Samantha Verduzco, senior defender Amanda Otto and junior forward Taylor Venegas.
Verduzco has made a total of eight shots in five games and is responsible for four of the Eagles’ 10 goals this season. Five of those shots have been on goal and four have scored.
Despite her role as a defender, Otto is a huge contributor to the Eagles’ offense. She has assisted three goals, attempted six shots and made two goals. Also, in their match against CSU San Marcos, Otto won the game for the Eagles with a goal from a corner kick in the first overtime period.
EARNING A HAT TRICK
In their most recent game against Pomona-Pitzer, Venegas accomplished something that every soccer player one day hopes to achieve. In their 3-1 victory over the Sagehens, Venegas scored all three goals for the Eagles, her first points so far, earning the first hat trick of the season. She has played in all five games and has attempted 13 shots with eight on goal. Her hat trick has truly been the pinnacle of the Eagles’ successful season so far.
DEFENDING THE GOAL BOX
As the season progresses, senior goalkeeper Amanda Johnson and Biola’s defense have successfully defended the goal box. In her total 480 minutes played, Johnson has allowed only three goals in the 56 shots she has faced. She currently has 25 saves and has shut out three of the five teams the Eagles have faced. In the other two games she allowed two goals in the Eagles’ draw with the University of Northwestern and one against Pomona-Pitzer.
With their undefeated record still intact, the Eagles prepare to take on Soka University on Sept. 19 in Atherton.
