It’s a pretty haunting time for the forwards of the Fort Lewis College women’s soccer team. The Skyhawks’ offense has scored just one goal in the month of October, and were blanked for the third consecutive game in Friday’s 1-0 loss to Westminster.
Head coach Damian Clarke said the Skyhawks’ struggle to find the back of the net will resolve itself sooner rather than later, but admitted it was a frustrating loss.
“We’re fighting hard, but I think we’re having a hard time finding composure after we fight,” said Clarke. “I think the process of beginning to believe in yourself that you can connect passes and find ways to get players into the attack is where we’re trying to mature. We’re working on trying to play a forward pass or change the point of the attack, but it’s not quite there yet. ... I’m always going to be surprised if my team doesn’t score a goal until the day I die.”
The Skyhawks (3-6-2, 2-4-2 RMAC) defended well in numbers in the first half, as they gave up five shots on goal, and when Westminster attacked, at least nine players were back defending at all times. However, the Griffins attacked far more often in the second half, as they registered 12 shots on goal.
Fort Lewis’ best chance in the first half came off of a set piece, as a free kick fell into the box and landed at the feet of forward Bailey Webster, but she was unable to get enough power on the shot and it was saved. It was 0-0 at halftime.
Aimee Kurfurst had as many shots on goal for Westminster, three, as the Skyhawks did in the first half.
In the second half, Kurfurst continued to create pressure on the flanks, and in the 66th minute, she scored the game’s only goal. She was able to find some separation on the right side, cut in and after three dribbles, fired a shot that went into the left corner of the net.
“I made a pretty long run to the other side of the field, (Madison Schmidt) played a killer ball down the line,” Kurfurst said.
“I was able to dribble it in and shoot it. That was awesome and it was a huge goal for us in the context of our season.”
In the 78th minute, Westminster’s Abby Keeley hit the crossbar, but the Griffins were unable to put home the rebound.
Fort Lewis created a few more chances, as Westminster nearly scored an own goal in the 76th minute after a misplayed header. In the 83rd minute, a cross went into the box and there was a clash of heads, but the referee did not point to the penalty spot despite protests from the Fort Lewis bench.
The Skyhawks will host Dixie State (6-3-3, 4-2-2 RMAC) at 1 p.m. Sunday.
Men’s soccerThe Fort Lewis College men’s soccer team fought back from a two-goal deficit on two occasions to earn a crucial win Friday night against Dixie State.
After going down 2-0 early in the first half and 3-1 midway through the second half, the Skyhawks (7-3-3, 5-3-1 RMAC) scored two goals in 21 minutes to tie the match at 3-3.
In the second overtime, FLC’s Brantley Bice scored the game-winning goal to give FLC a massive 4-3 road win. It came only 12 days after FLC lost a tough 4-1 match at home to the same Dixie State team (6-6-1, 5-4-0 RMAC).
In the first half, a Hakeem Rabiu goal got FLC on the board. He was assisted by Ty Lang to get FLC within 2-1. One minute after FLC conceded a penalty kick goal to Moises Medina, the Skyhawks struck back with a header goal from AJ Haskell to make it 3-2. It was a 73rd minute goal by Loic Jean-Baptiste assisted by Ryan Lee that tied the match to get it to overtime.
Bice’s game-winner was assisted by Matt Baldridge.
FLC will stay on the road and face Westeminster on Sunday in Salt Lake City.
VolleyballFort Lewis College beat Colorado Christian in five sets Friday night, 22-25, 25-22, 25-20, 21-25 and 15-9.
The Skyhawks (8-11, 4-6 RMAC) were led by Alexa Treguboff, who recorded 14 kills, while Bailey Longacre and Payton Harmann each recorded 10. Harmann added 42 assists and four service aces, while Ohiyah Shirley chipped in 27 digs.
FLC has now won three consecutive matches.
The Cougars (6-12, 2-8 RMAC) were led by Cali Bahnsen, who recorded 15 kills, while Jacey Johnson added 12 of her own. Mariela Gonzalez added 29 digs and five assists in the loss.
The Skyhawks will host No. 15 Regis (15-3, 9-1 RMAC) at 5 p.m. Saturday inside Whalen Gymnasium.
bploen@durangoherald.com
