Senior Night was a success for the Eagles, highlighted by a game-winning goal for junior forward Taylor Venegas, another shutout by senior goalkeeper Marina Rodriguez and a defensive mauling by the backline. Biola allowed one whole shot the entire game, giving the Eagles a 1-0 victory over Hope International.
However, the aggressive defense did not translate well into their next game against Vanguard University on Tuesday Oct. 20, with the defense committing two costly penalties, both resulting in goals for the Lions in a 0-2 loss.
MOST DOMINANT DEFENSE
Saturday was possibly the most dominant defensive effort of the season by the Eagles, allowing one shot the whole game, the lowest total allowed in a game this season. Credit this dominant defensive effort to the potent and terrorizing quartet composed of sophomore defender Cat Newberry, freshman defender Madyson Brown, junior defender Kayla White and sophomore defender Brianna Mikalson.
This goal marked Venegas’ eighth of the season. “I initially thought that the referee would call the goal back,” Venegas said.
Saturday also marked a bittersweet game for the team's seniors including: Rodriguez, fellow goalkeeper Amanda Johnson and forward Brittney Sayre.
“I’m excited yet at the same time saddened,” Sayre said. “I love Biola soccer and my teammates, it has been an amazing experience that I would not trade for anything else.”
SAYING GOODBYE TO SENIORS
Even though the Eagles had to say goodbye to its seniors, there were still two games to be played, including the following loss to Vanguard.
On Tuesday Oct. 20, the Eagles embarked on their three-game road trip with a match against Golden State Athletic Conference rival and NAIA No.15 ranked Vanguard.
Both teams played with aggressive offense and a stout, preventive defense. Consequently, Biola’s aggressive play became excessive. In the 44th minute, Biola committed a foul that resulted in a penalty kick, which assisted a Vanguard defender in burying the ball in the net past a diving Rodriguez.
SIMILAR FOR BOTH SIDES
The second half was very similar for both teams, including another critical free kick goal. With 30 minutes to go in the game, a controversial foul called on Biola set the Lions up for a chance to put the game away. The ball hooked into the top corner of the net over the goalkeeper for a goal.
The Lions’ backline proved hard to get past, leaving Biola with little to no scoring chances. The game ended 0-2, resulting in Biola’s first conference loss this year.
Even with the loss, the Eagles remain three points ahead of Westmont College for the division lead. Biola now has two games remaining in the regular season including their upcoming Oct. 24 match against The Master's College at 11:00 a.m., followed by a trip to Phoenix, Ariz. to take on Arizona Christian University on Oct. 31.
