RIVERSIDE, Calif. – Emma Valenzuela recorded a brace and Audrina Bonilla added the game-winner as Hope International women's soccer opened up GSAC competition with a 3-1 victory at La Sierra on Tuesday.
Tied for the team lead in goals last season with six, Valenzuela wasted no time contributing to the Royals offense in her first action of the season.
Valenzuela scored on both of her shot attempts in the 40th and 84th minutes.
The Royals forced La Sierra goalie Sophie Diaz into three first half saves, but not break through until five minutes before halftime.
Charlie Grace floated a 50 yard pass up the right side to a streaking Valenzuela, who settled the ball just outside the 18-yard box. She made a diagonal run toward the goal and beat Diaz to the upper right corner for the 1-0 lead.
HIU held a slim 6-5 advantage in shots going into halftime.
The Golden Eagles notched the equalizer just two minutes into the second half as Bianca Ahumada scored on a cross into the box.
The two teams remained tied until the Royals pushed through the game-winner at the 77:05 mark. Deep into Golden Eagles territory, Kahlyn Brown unleashed a hard shot that deflected off Diaz and to a waiting Bonilla, who knocked in her first career collegiate goal. Brown earned the assist on the play, her first career point as a Royal.
La Sierra managed just three shots in the second half, although one was an attempt by Ahumada that clanged off the crossbar.
HIU added an insurance goal with just over six minutes remaining as Kalia Lanoza offered up a cross that connected with Valenzuela. The forward settled the pass and slammed in a left-footed boot to give HIU a 3-1 advantage.
HIU finished the game with a 14-8 shots advantage. Victoria Ruiz made one save and earned the victory in goal for the Royals. Diaz made five saves for the Golden Eagles.
The Royals return to action on Thursday in their GSAC home opener against Soka. The game kicks off at 4:30 p.m. at the OC Great Park Stadium.
