Own goal from Tigers reward Athenas 1-0 victory

Claremont, CA – The Claremont-Mudd-Scripps women's soccer team scrapped their way to a close 1-0 victory over Occidental College (7-5-1, 4-5-1) thanks to an own goal sparked by a cross from senior Emily Cassell (CMC). The Athenas remain in second place in the SCIAC with a 7-2-1 record in conference play and 10-5-1 overall. Junior Morgan McCoy (CMC) recorded a shutout in her season debut, managing to snag four saves. The Athenas had a brilliant defensive performance, as seniors Cassell and Amy Johnson (CMC), juniors Jacey Coniff (HMC) and Wren Osler (SC),  and sophomore Sydney Talmi (CMC) kept the Tigers at bay and limited them to only six shots all game.

The first half started off slow for both teams, as neither side were able to produce quality chances. The Athenas almost had a chance when sophomore Sarah Malott (CMC) received a short pass in the opposing box and did a turnaround shot, but her attempt came straight towards the Tigers' keeper, Dallas Gunny.

In the 40^th minute, the Athenas managed to catch a break when Cassell brought the ball on left flank off a counter attack. The defender dribbled into the box and delivered a short powerful cross and managed to deflect it off Grace Sponaugle's foot for an own goal, giving CMS the 1-0 lead.

Halfway through the second half, Occidental started to play more aggressively, pushing more players on the offensive end. They almost had their break in the 69^th minute when Robin Waymouth delivered a free kick towards the net. The defense nearly misread the shot as it bounced in the box and over their heads, but fortunately it landed over the net.

The Athenas will head to La Verne on Wednesday, Oct. 19 7 p.m. in hopes of climbing up the SCIAC standings.