Glendale, Ariz. - Arizona Christian Women's Soccer lost its first game of the 2023 season by a slim one-goal margin, ultimately decided by an own goal in the second half.

Score: Arizona Christian 1, Corban 2
Records: Arizona Christian 0-1-0 (0-0-0) | Corban 1-0-0 (0-0-0)
Location: ACU Football Field - Glendale, AZ

STAT TRACKER
Alyssa Mercado - 1 Goal, 3 shots
Cami Mercado - 4 Shots
Felicia Apodaca - 2 shots
Brenna Sonsini - 6 saves


INSIDE THE BOXSCORE

Arizona's monsoon season was on full display in Women's Soccer opening game. The Warriors were beneficiaries of the wind being at their backs during the first half and were able to control possession. Corban was the aggressor early on, but ACU's goalkeeper Brenna Sonsini kept their offense at bay with three saves that kept the game at 0-0 headed into halftime. The first goal of the match came as an own goal, as the Firestorm's Alyssa Mercado mishit a pass back to Sonsini and netted the ball in the 59th minute. 


There was a significant foul differential that developed throughout the contest, as ACU amounted 14 while Corban only received five, respectively. Less than seven minutes following the own goal, the Warriors successfully penetrated the Firestorm defense and Fatima Jimenez scored on an assist by Carley Diaz. In the 85th minute, Alyssa Mercado nailed a penalty kick for ACU's first goal of the season. Though the Firestorm out shot the Warriors in the second half (9 to 5), the clock was their enemy and it ended as a 2-1 final in favor of Corban.
    
NEXT MATCH

Women's Soccer will have a quick turnaround and get back to ACU Football Field on Monday, August 21 for a non-conference match against Oregon Tech. Follow along with @ACUFirestorm on instagram and twitter for updates.      

Roll Storm!