Aug. 20, 2010

Box Score

BERKELEY, Calif. - Senior Nickey Ha scored in the 85th minute to make for an exciting final five minutes but LMU's late rally fell short as the Lions dropped the 2010 season opener 2-1 at #14 Cal on Friday night. Ha's goal was the third of her career but it was not enough to upset the Golden Bears.

LMU's season could not have gotten off to a worse start as Cal scored six minutes in on its second shot of the match. Lauren Battung passed to Miranda White, who chipped it over redshirt freshman Brittany Jagger from the right side of the box.

LMU's defense settled down after that, holding the Bears off the board for the rest of the half despite six shots from the home team. Senior Gabrielle Parisella had the Lions' best chance of the half but sent her shot wide as the teams entered the break with the score at 1-0 to Cal.

The Lions put more offensive pressure on Cal in the second half with four of their five shots but were unfortunate to give up a second goal in the 73rd minute. After Cal won a corner kick, the ball got loose in the box and LMU, trying to clear it, inadvertently pushed the ball into its own net to double Cal's lead.

Not to be undone, the Lions showed great resolve in coming back and cut the deficit in half thanks to Ha. Taking a feed from junior Brittney Sanford, Ha sent her shot to the back left corner, where it snuck past Cal goalkeeper Emily Kruger. It was her first goal since her sophomore season and Sanford's fourth career assist.

With new life, LMU pushed forward looking for the equalizer but the Cal defense held steady and held the Lions without a shot to preserve the win.

In her first collegiate action, Jagger made three saves as Cal held a 12-5 shot advantage. Lauren Hein and Emily Kruger split their time in goal for the Bears, with Kruger making three second-half saves.

LMU returns to Sullivan Field next Friday for its home opener against Denver. Kick-off is slated for 4 p.m.