Warriors extend unbeaten streak with tie against Simon Fraser

October 15, 2005

BOX SCORE

BURNABY, B.C. – After one hundred ten minutes and two overtimes, Corban’s women’s soccer team ended their time in Canada with a 0-0 tie against the National Association of Intercollegiate Atheltics’ (NAIA) No. 6-ranked Simon Fraser on Saturday afternoon and extended their unbeaten streak to five games (4-0-1).

Coming into the game, the Warriors had reeled off four straight wins to move into sole possession of first place in the South Division of the Cascade Collegiate Conference standings.  Having already beaten nationally-ranked Biola (1-0 on September 2nd) and tying nationally-ranked Carroll (0-0 on September 9th), Corban knew what they needed to do in order to compete against another nationally-ranked team.

Despite being out shot 35-3, Corban hung with the favored Clan and really began to show life in the second half.  Junior goalkeeper Kim Mendenhall (Windsor, Calif.) recorded a game and season-high 13 saves, including a game-preserving theft in the second overtime when she deflected a shot attempt, from her knees, off the cross bar, and away from any danger.

“The ladies knew what they needed to do in order to come away with at least a point,” said tenth-year head coach Marty Ziesemer.  “Kim (Mendenhall - pictured right) was amazing all day in net and the save that she recorded in overtime was the best one that I have seen in a long time.”

After the first forty-five minutes, Corban found themselves out shot 18-0 and it looked like they had not taken full advantage of the extra time given due to the location and time change of the game.

“We had a couple of set backs on our way to the field,” commented Ziesemer, “and it looked like we had been on the bus for an hour before stepping onto the field.  It took the first half for the ladies to get their legs.”

Over the final 65 minutes, the Warriors made a couple of adjustments that paid off and their defense stepped up the intensity and shut down the mighty Clan en route to securing their second straight shutout against a ranked opponent.

Corban improves to 6-7-2 overall, while Simon Fraser improves to 7-4-2 overall.  The Warriors are next in action on Monday, October 17th, when they continue non-conference play against NCAA Division III opponent Western Oregon beginning at 3:00 p.m. in Monmouth.