LA MIRADA, Calif. – Two first half goals for No. 10 College of Idaho held up as the visiting Yotes handed Hope International a 2-1 defeat in women's soccer action on Saturday at Biola's Al Barbour Field.
The Yotes spoiled the HIU head coaching debut of Jessica Correll, although the Royals hung tough against an opponent which reached the NAIA Final Site last season before bowing out in the round of 16.
College of Idaho outshot HIU 16-12 and held an 8-5 advantage in corner kicks.
The visitors dented the scoreboard quickly as Rylee Russell scored a goal at the 2:12 mark, taking a pass from Alondra Osuna and working through the right side of the box. Her shot beat HIU goalkeeper Victoria Ruiz to the far post for the 1-0 Yotes lead.
Grace Eastman made it 2-0 College of Idaho in the 33rd minute. Her initial shot pinged off the left post, but she deposited the rebound into the net for her first goal of the season.
The Royals notched their first goal of the year in the 53rd minute. Karissa Frerichs hit a cross from the left side to a charging Angely Puga. Puga collected the ball in front of the six-yard box and calmly slotted her shot past Yotes goalkeeper Molly McCabe.
College of Idaho's defense tightened up and allowed HIU just three more shots the remainder of the second half. Two of those shots came from Kalia Lanoza, both of which were blocked by a Yotes defender.
Puga led the Royals with three shots.
Ruiz made six saves for HIU, while McCabe stopped four shots for College of Idaho.
The Royals return to action on Thursday, September 3 against Stanton at the OC Great Park Field #18. The game will kick off at 2:00 p.m.
