Simpson upended by Shasta

Despite loss, Lady Vanguard look good in opener

- Redding, CA (8/30/2003)

The Simpson University Women's Soccer team opened up their 2003 season with a 2-1 home loss to Shasta College.  Despite the loss, the Vanguard played well in their first game.

The Knights of Shasta College would strike first midway through the first half with a goal from Rachel Cooper that put the Knights up 1-0.  The score would remain that way going into the half as the Lady Vanguard were held scoreless.

In the second half, Simpson came out aggressive and scored early in the period on a goal by Julie Swinburne.  Swinburne, an incoming freshman from Woodland, was able to beat a Shasta defender down the side and nailed a shot pass the Knights goalie.  The goal would even things up 1-1.

However, the tie would be undone ten minutes later, when Shasta's Victoria Kenyon would score on a shot that barely creeped by Simpson goalkeeper Rebekah Lopez.  That goal would prove to hold up and give the Knights a 2-1 victory.

Playing the game in 102 degree heat, Simpson (0-1) suited up 12 players and was short on substitutions.  After the game, head coach Dan Woerner was happy with his team's performance.

"I was pleased with how we did for our first game," Vanguard coach Dan Woerner said. "I'm comfortable with what we have. We just need to find two more players so I can substitute a bit more."

The women will be on the road this Friday as they take on Bethany College in a non-conference game at 3:30pm in Scotts Valley.  The next home game for the Vanguard will take place on Tuesday September 9th at 4pm.  The game will be played on campus at Simpson's soccer field.

Read game article by Jeffrey Jen of the Redding Record Searchlight http://www.redding.com/sports/past/20030831sp049.shtml