by Rosie Sinapi
Sports Editor
The ULV women’s soccer team failed to win Wednesday at Cal Lutheran losing 1-5.
The Leos went into the game needing a win not only to redeem themselves from their 0-0 tie Monday to Masters College, but also to improve morale on the team.
The Leo goal came in the first half from junior mid-fielder Lisa Thomas. At that point, the Leos were behind 2-1. In the second half the Leos found themselves in trouble mostly due to Cal Lu’s powerful forwards Carla Crawford and Jill Gallegos.
Crawford scored one goal, while Gallegos proved herself to be more than the Leos could handle. She scored three goals.
“We had some defensive errors,” said Head Coach Wendy Zwissler.
Although they lost, she was quick to point out that this was the lowest deficit the Leos have lost by playing Cal Lu at home. In the previous years, Cal Lu had won by a 12-0, 9-0, and 7-1 margin.
“Hopefully in a month we’ll see how we’ve improved,” she said.
Coach Zwissler feels that the Leos were not mentally ready to play and that the team must improve both mentally and physically before this Saturday’s game at Occidental.
“The girls need to put into their head that they can play no matter what,” she said.
The Leos are facing several obstacles in their way. They are a young team. They do not have a deep bench. They are missing several key players due to injuries.
Sophomore mid-fielder Jacqui Zwissler is out with an ankle injury. Sophomore defense player Ana Delgado continues to play, but is limited due to muscle pulls.
Coach Zwissler is focusing on refining her team’s skills.
“We have a lot to do-off-side kicking, defense on the slide and shoot, and halfback shooting,” she said.
Tomorrow’s game at Occidental will be difficult according to Coach Zwissler. Oxy is coming off of a win and are normally a tough defensive team.
“We have to get football pads for the game,” said Coach Zwissler.
