CMS Wins Battle For First At Occidental
With a win over Occidental, the CMS Athenas continue their successful streak in SCIAC play. Both teams entered the match undefeated in conference, but 90 minutes later, the Athenas prevailed 3-2. Their record improved to 5-0 in SCIAC and 7-3 overall while Occidental is now 3-1 in conference and 4-2 overall.
CMS started the game ready to play, connecting passes and playing for each other. Their strong start paid off with a goal in the first six minutes of the match. A beautiful cross by Courtney Funk (SO, Sutter Creek) was sent into the box to the head of Laura Hagen (FR, Bellevue, WA), and Megan Kum (SR, South Pasadena ) was there to slot it right past the keeper. Twenty minutes into the first half, the Athenas found the back of the net once again. Ashley Green (JR, Seattle, WA) sent a ball from the right wing to Hagen, who settled it and scored from the top of the 18 yard box. Despite being down 2 goals, the Tigers continued to battle their way into the match. With 15 minutes remaining in the first half, they capitalized on an opportunity and cut CMS' lead to only one goal.
The Athenas began the second half with urgency, looking to improve their one-goal lead. In the first 5 minutes, Rebecca Pedroza (JR, Las Vegas, NV [pictured]) attacked a corner kick played by Hagen and headed the ball into the net just over the keeper's reach. The Athenas were up 3-1 but Occidental answered back with a quick goal. CMS played hard defense for the rest of the match and at the end of the game found themselves victorious over the Tigers with a score of 3-2.
The Athenas next game is this Saturday (September 29th) against Redlands at home at 11:00.
