The Arizona soccer team lost 3-1 to Gonzaga University on Saturday, Sept. 16, at 3 p.m. at Luger Field in Spokane, Washington.
The Bulldogs came out ready to rumble.
The Wildcats’ starting lineup consisted of Hope Hisey, Savannah Holley, Sarah Rice, Megan Chelf, Cameron Valladares, Jessica Ramirez, Nyota Katembo, Aranda Hurge, Sami Baytosh, Nicole Dallin and Marissa Arnst.
Arizona’s defense was immediately under attack. Gonzaga had five corner kicks on Arizona’s goalkeeper, Hisey, within the first ten minutes of the game. Midfielder Maddie Kemp, one of the Bulldogs’ best players, took the first shot of the game, but it was blocked by Arizona defenders. In the 15th minute, Holley ripped a shot to the center of the net that forced the Bulldogs’ keeper Lauren Towne to make a save.
Gonzaga’s Giana Riley scored the first goal of the match in the 18th minute with a quick right-footed shot, giving the Bulldogs a 1-0 lead.
After the first goal, the possession went back and forth. Arizona had an opportunity on goal in the 22nd minute when Dallin broke free and shot the ball low and hard, but to no avail.
Multiple substitutions were made in the 25th minute, bringing Ella Hatteberg, Jordan Hall and Desiree Foster into the game.
The ball stayed close to the sideline for a few minutes, frequently going out of play. In the 32nd minute, Gonzaga forward Marissa Garcia took a left-footed shot that crashed into the bottom right of Arizona’s goal to extend to Gonzaga lead to 2-0. The game grew increasingly physical as it went on, and the referee issued multiple fouls against Arizona after the second goal.
The score remained 2-0 Bulldogs for the rest of the half.
At the start of the second half the ball immediately started on the sidelines. Numerous throw-ins were given to both teams, due to the struggle of keeping the ball on the pitch. A throw-in for Gonzaga was called offside in the 62nd minute.
In the 72nd minute, the Bulldogs scored their third goal in the bottom left corner, making the score 3-0.
Arizona would make one last final push, driving the ball up the field. Valladares scored a goal, assisted by Foster in the 75th minute. The score became 3-1 Gonzaga as the Wildcats cut into their deficit. Arizona had a few more chances on Gonzaga’s goal, but they weren’t successful. Katembo was given a yellow card in the 85th minute for unsportsmanlike conduct.
The game ended in a win for Gonzaga 3-1. Arizona struggled to maintain possession and there were a few defensive breakdowns that led to the Bulldogs scoring. The Wildcats will look to turn the page on this one, as they return home to play the University of Oregon on Friday, Sept. 22, at 7 p.m. at Murphey Field at Mulcahy Soccer Stadium in Tucson.
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