Shelby Murphy gave the Point Loma fans exactly what they were looking all match with a late goal that sent No. 18 Azusa Pacific home heartbroken with a 1-0 loss. Murphy recorded the match’s lone goal in the first overtime, 93 minutes into the match, to lift the Point Loma women’s soccer team to a 1-0 win in this showdown between two of the top teams in the PacWest Conference.
The victory was the third straight for the Sea Lions (5-2-0, 2-0-0 PacWest) after opening the season alternating between wins and losses. They are now undefeated in their last 15 PacWest matches dating back to the 2013 season. The loss was the first of the season for APU (5-1-0, 1-1-0 PacWest) as they snapped their five-match winning streak.
“Any time you play Azusa and get a win you get a win you are happy,” Hall explained. “They are just two very good teams and many times it is a coin flip who is going to win.
“What this win means for us in the time of our season is just massive,” Hall added.
Murphy’s goal was maybe the prettiest at PLNU in the past four seasons. It started with Sami Swanson drawing a double team in the corner and then passing off to a wide open Murphy at the top of the box. Murphy took the pass and blasted a perfect, bending shot right inside the post and just beyond the fingertips of the APU keeper for the game-winning goal.
“Shelby is a type of girl that when she gets the ball on her foot at any time it can be magical,” said Hall “Then right then within the second of saying that she nets (the game-winning goal).
“I was proud of these women,” continued Hall. “They battled hard. We have some things we need to clean up on both the physical and mental sides of the game but overall the women did a very good job, and I am proud of them.”
The Sea Lions defense was once again an anchor for this team as it posted its fifth shutout in seven matches. Ariel Oriarte had three saves in the shutout, with two coming in overtime.
“Their women and our women played very well,” Hall added. “That was just a solid college soccer match; we just happened to be the ones to find the net.”
PLNU is now 6-2-2 against APU in the past five seasons, including 3-0-1 at home.
A big reason for that success at home is the support of the student body, which was out in full-force today for the first PLNU outdoor event under the lights. Coach Hall was very appreciative of all their efforts.
“The PLNU students are my heart. That is the reason I work here,” said coach Hall. “It means so much when those guys come out. It creates an atmosphere that helps our team play better. The students were just fantastic tonight and I thank them for it.”
The Sea Lions will be back home again on Saturday, Oct. 3 to host California Baptist at 11:30 a.m. as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Day.