A cross through the penalty area by Cal State Fullerton freshman Lauren
Cram was defelected in off a San Diego defender for the lone score of
the match and freshman goalkeeper Shayla Sabin earned her first career
shutout as the Titans defeated the Toreros, 1-0, on Wednesday night at
Titan Stadium.
Cal State Fullerton improved to 2-1 overall on the season and has won
the last two consecutive matches against the Toreros after a four-match
losing skid. USD fell to 2-3 overall on the season.
Cram (La Mirada, Calif.) stole the ball from a pair of Torero defenders
on the far right side and immediately crossed the ball into traffic. USD’s
Leigh Ann Robinson, who was standing on the goal line at the time, then
attempted to volley it out of trouble, but the ball caught the inside
edge of her foot and sailed into the net for the lone tally of the night.
USD’s best chance to score came in the second half when the Titan
keeper was whistled for a handball outside of the box. Vella’s shot
clanged off the right post and the rebound by Brittany Young sailed high
over the net for a Fullerton goal kick.
The first half was well-played by both sides as the majority of the period
was spent in the middle third of the field. Both teams had solid chances
to score, but some great saves by both keepers and solid marking by the
defense on the rebounds prevented any balls from finding the back of the
net.
Sabin (San Clemente, Calif.) made a pair of saves on the night in her
first career start, victory, and shutout. Torero starting keeper Karen
Cook made six saves.
Juniors Kellie Cox (Lancaster, Calif.), Lisa Kosena (Englewood, Colo.),
and Rebekah Patrick (Billings, Mont.) each had three shots on the night
to lead the Titans, who outshot the Toreros 13-9, and marked the third
straight match that Fullerton has outshot its opponents. San Diego’s
Amy Epsten had four shots on the night to lead all players.
The Titans return to action this weekend, hitting the road for the first
time in the 2004 campaign. Cal State Fullerton is one of four teams to
compete at the UC Irvine Nike/Holiday Inn Invitational along with the
host Anteaters, Portland State, and San Francisco.
Fullerton will take on USF on Friday evening (Sept. 10) at 5:30 p.m. before
meeting the Vikings on Sunday (Sept. 12) at 11 a.m.
