BOX SCORE

POMONA, Calif. --- A pair of goals in the match's first 20 minutes by Cal Poly Pomona were too much for the Biola University women's soccer team to overcome as the Eagles fell 2-1 in their season opener Thursday night at Kellogg Field in Pomona.

Biola (0-1-0 overall) was able to fight back with a goal in the second half, but was unable to score the equalizer before time expired in the non-conference match.

The Broncos (1-0-0 overall) opened the scoring in the eighth minute as Lindsey Zuber took advantage of some miscommunication on the Eagle back line. Zuber stole the ball from Biola players and quickly struck the ball into the back of the net.

Just under 10 minutes later, Cal Poly Pomona added another goal set up by a great pass by Zuber. The freshman forward sent a great pass ahead to sophomore forward Mary Carroll, who was alone behind the Eagle defense and beat the keeper to put the Broncos up 2-0.

After the first 20 minutes of the match, the Eagles were able to shake off the “first-game jitters” and played the Broncos relatively evenly the rest of the match.

In the second half, Biola closed within one goal thanks to a great header by sophomore midfielder Kahlie Reinecke in the 72nd minute. Reinecke was able to get a head on a beautiful cross off the foot of junior forward Brittany Neill.

The Eagles would have a couple of good chances in the match's final five minutes thanks to a free kick and a pair of corners, but neither would net the tying goal.

Cal Poly Pomona held a 19-8 shot advantage in the match though an edge of just 8-6 in the second half.
Freshman netminder Lauren Gregston allowed the two goals in her collegiate debut, but also made three saves for the Eagles. The Broncos' Nakisha Gutierrez also made three saves on the night.

Biola returns to action on Saturday (Aug. 25) for its final scrimmage of the season, traveling to NCAA Division I Cal State Fullerton for a 7:00 p.m. match.