Gonzaga University
San Diego
Cullen's Goal Helps Women's Soccer Defeat Toreros
10/24/2010 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Oct. 24, 2010
SAN DIEGO, Calif. - Senior midfielder Catherine Cullen's goal in the first half helped the Gonzaga University women's soccer team defeat the University of San Diego 1-0 in a battle for third place in the West Coast Conference.
The Bulldogs (8-9-1, 3-2-0 WCC) picked up their third win in the last four matches and have also matched the program's all-time high for wins in WCC competition with three, which has been set five times.
In addition to the win, the Bulldogs also defeated the team ranked fourth in the NSCAA-Hendrickscars.com West Regional ranking.
"For us to win this game on the road really speaks highly of our team. We are a good team," Bulldogs head coach Amy Edwards said.
The Toreros (9-7-2, 2-3-0 WCC) had a 7-5 edge in shots, 7-3 in corner kicks. Redshirt junior goalkeeper Lauren Ames made three saves to earn her fourth shutout of the season. Toreros goalkeeper Courtney Parsons also had three saves.
The Zags scored the match's lone goal at 10:41. A corner kick served by junior forward Sarah Rhodes from the left side found Cullen on the right side who punched in her second goal of the year. Rhodes, who earned her fourth assist of the year, extends her team-leading points to 14. She also enters a three-way tie with senior midfielder Sheridan Jones and freshman forward Cassie Geerdts for the most assists in the team this season.
It is the third time this season that the Bulldogs have scored off a corner kick served by Rhodes.
"Sarah's serves from the corners have become pretty dangerous," Edwards said.
The Toreros best opportunity in the first half was in the 28th minute. Following a cross from the left side, Caitlin Williams took a shot from inside the penalty box but Ames made the save.
Edwards said the second half became more physical. The Toreros held a 5-2 shots, 5-1 in corner kicks in the half.
"San Diego put tons of pressure on us after the half," Edwards said. "But our players were mature and focused. We were very good at making adjustments."
Gonzaga University will conclude the home side of the 2010 schedule next weekend hosting Saint Mary's College Sunday at 1 p.m. Prior to the match the Bulldogs will honor their seven seniors, Lauren Ames, Lindsay Hood, Ashley Riley, Catherine Cullen, Sheridan Jones, Elle Sweeney and Ashley Railey.
