FULLERTON, Calif. – Emma Valenzuela scored a pair of goals and Jacinda Rivera added her third of the season as Hope International women's soccer earned a dominating 3-0 victory over Providence (Mont.) on Monday at Fullerton College.
The Royals outshot the Argos 22-4 for the match, including 11-0 in the first half. HIU kept the ball in its offensive end for the majority of the contest, setting up multiple opportunities. The Royals had a 10-3 advantage in corner kicks.
Valenzuela tied Rivera for the team lead with her second and third goals. The duo has accounted for six of the team's eight goals through two matches.
HIU built a 1-0 lead in the 39th minute as Valenzuela took advantage of a misplayed ball by an Argo defender, pouncing on the stray and going top middle for the goal.
Just over four minutes later, the Royals increased their lead to 2-0 as Jordan Galvin sent a cross to the right side. Valenzuela chased it down and rocketed her shot, which ricocheted under the crossbar and down into the goal.
The Royals, which got 27 players into the game, continued to push forward in the second half and added an insurance goal at the 63:41 mark.
Rivera got hold of the ball inside the box, took several dribbles toward the middle and fired a laser to beat Providence goalkeeper Jennifer Alvillar to her right.
Rivera and Valenzuela led the Royals with six shots apiece.
Victoria Ruiz and Brittany Hazelton split goalkeeping duties. Neither netminder faced a shot on frame.
The Royals now embark on a six-match roadtrip, with the next three in the state of Oregon. HIU begins the trip on Thursday, September 4 at Southern Oregon for a noon kickoff.
