Panthers rally, win in overtime to maintain perfect start

ORANGE, Calif. - The Chapman University women's soccer team won its fifth consecutive match to open the season, scoring the tying goal late in regulation and then defeating visiting Willamette University 2-1 in overtime on Sunday afternoon at Wilson Field. The game winning goal was scored an ‘own' goal, off the foot of a Bearcats defender just 3:52 into the first overtime period.

Chapman (5-0) out-numbered Willamette in scoring opportunities throughout the game, yet was unable to solve the Bearcats goalkeeper tandem of Kelli Gano and Jill Schneeman who combined for 10 saves on the day and shutout the Panthers for the first 86 minutes.

The Panthers finally broke through in the 87th minute as sophomore D Rosie Chinen delivered a long pass to sophomore F Kate Lilly who tapped it past Schneeman one-on-one, finding the lower-left corner of the goal.

That sent the game into overtime - Chapman's first of the season. The Panthers first scoring chance was all they needed as junior F Claire Callister got a breakaway and took a shot that Schneeman made a great save on. However, senior F Stephanie Lambrakis picked up the rebound and sent it toward the front of the goal where a Willamette player tried to clear it, but it inadvertently found the back of the net.

Chapman sophomore GK Chloe Canta made seven saves in the victory. She's been in goal for all five of the Panthers' wins and has recorded seven saves or more in three matches.

Willamette (1-2-1) scored the first goal of the game just six minutes in when Alex Batzer scored on a corner kick.

The Panthers' 5-0 start matches their longest under head coach Courtney Calderon, which was also done in 2004. Chapman's longest winning streak to begin a season is six and that has been accomplished twice: in 1997 and 2003.

Box Score: http://www.chapmanathletics.com/sports/wsoc/2009-10/stats/wu-cu.htm