PHOENIX, Ariz. – Playing in over 100-degree temperatures, a goal early in the first half lifted Arizona Christian to a 1-0 victory over the College of Idaho.
Veronica Cruz slotted home the lone goal of the match late in the 15th minute, touching home a pass from Marisa Ortiz. It was the Yotes (0-2) sixth-straight loss by a one-goal margin dating back to 2015.
Both teams emptied their bench throughout – the Firestorm (1-2) played 20 players and the Yotes having 19 players hit the pitch.
C of I stayed in the game thanks to their defense – as keeper
Brittany Houghton made eight saves, with the back line clearing a Sarahlie Torres attempt out of the goal mouth in the 48th minute.
The Yotes had their best scoring chance in the 81st minute, as a foul in the area gave C of I a penalty kick – but ACU keeper Tahlia Miears stopped
Katelyn Benavidez' attempt, along with a rebound shot from
Kaya Evans, to preserve the clean sheet.
ACU held a 23-10 edge in total shots and took four of the five corner kicks.
C of I returns home next weekend for a Saturday match-up against Hastings (Neb.).
