Junior Chrissy King battles for the ball in Biola's 1-0 win over Pomona-Pitzer College. | David Wahlman/THE CHIMES

The Eagles improved to 2-2-1 with a win against Pomona-Pitzer College on Saturday and a tie with NAIA number 12 California State University, San Marcos on Tuesday.

After 71 minutes of play in a home match on Saturday between the Biola women's soccer team and Pomona-Pitzer, Eagle senior midfielder Katie Cabuling scored a curved free kick into the net to win the match.

The game was stagnant at a 0-0 tie before the goal. Both teams struggled to dominate the ball for long periods of time, as each defensive end did a good job at keeping the ball away from their net.

“I thought the first half was good for us,” head coach Todd Elkins said. “We didn't score so it was still even at half but I liked how we were moving the ball, we were keeping the ball, we had the advantage possession-wise.”

First half opportunities prove futile for both teams

Each team had a few opportunities in front of the goal, but neither team was able to get it in the net the first half; instead, the ball stayed at midfield. Biola had six shots and three corner kicks compared to Pomona-Pitzer's two shots and two corner kick opportunities.

“I think the first half we just didn't have too much energy,” Cabuling said. “But the last two teams we played were kind of low-pressure teams and this was really high pressure, so I think everyone kind of panicked.”

The panic ended as soon as the Eagles took the lead midway through the second half. A hand ball by Pomona-Pitzer allowed Cabuling a free kick shot just outside the box. Her goal made it over the wall and bent into the bottom left corner of the Sagehen's goalie Annie Wedel.

“After we scored that goal, it was definitely a confidence booster,” Cabuling said. “I think that our mentality kind of changed more defensive than offensive to try to keep possession of the ball.”

1-0 on the scoreboard could be a vulnerable place for any team, but the Eagles never seemed to be in much danger. The Sagehens had only two off-target shots the whole second half.

Cabuling had scored the winning goal in the last two games; both were off of free kicks just outside the box.

“We really rely on her and [senior] Taylor Lundquist for so much on both sides of the ball, defensively and offensively,” said coach Elkins. “But right now we're not scoring a lot of goals, so for her to take it in her own hands was great.”

Eagles fall behind early against San Marcos

Biola fell behind early against San Marcos with Shelby Bush scoring for the Cougars less than a minute into play off an assist from Sarah Hopper. Ten minutes later Bush returned the favor for Hopper, assisting her on a goal to make it 2-0 Cougars.

In the 30th minute Biola struck back with junior Jessica Austin knocking in a breakaway goal to bring the score to 2-1. The one goal deficit was short-lived though, as Dani Porter drove home a cross from Heather Flores, extending San Marcos’ lead to 3-1.

The second half was a different story for the Eagles as they were able to mount a rally and catch the Cougars. Junior Chrissy King scored in the 60th minute to bring Biola within one. Fellow junior Stephanie Cubias picked up a deflected clear from the keeper and put it in the back of the net to tie the game in the 77th minute.

Biola's next match will be against the Carroll College Saints at home on Sept. 14.