SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. - Kylie Dobbs and Jennessa Groves each scored a goal and the Lions held on to take an exciting 2-1 victory over Cal Poly on Thursday evening in San Luis Obispo, Calif.
Groves was first to net for the Lions after the Lions managed a handful of solid attempts in the first half. After the Mustangs' goalkeeper played a ball to the pivot midfielder, Maci Land applied pressure that dispossessed her with the ball falling right to Groves. Groves turned and slotted the ball into the bottom right corner of the goal to open the scoring.
Groves had another great chance in the first half after Olivia Winters played a sublime through ball through the Mustangs backline. The ball split two defenders and curled right into Groves's path. She fired towards goal but was denied by the sliding Mustangs' keeper.
The Lions led at the half and increased their lead shortly after the return to the pitch.
Kylie Dobbs netted her fourth goal of the season to double the lead. Caitlyn McCulloch started the move with a darting drive through the midfield then played a sublime through ball to Dobbs. Dobbs still had work to do to finish as she used a brilliant feint followed by a quick chop before blasting a left-footed effort past a sprawling keeper.
The Lions would concede a late goal to make the final 15 minutes nervy, but the defense kept the Mustangs out to preserve the win.
JJ Hoover recorded her third victory of the season and was credited with four saves in the match.
LMU will return home to face Grand Canyon on Sunday, Sept. 8. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. (PT).
