Dramatic finish for Panthers who equal best start in school history

ORANGE, Calif. - With just 29 seconds remaining in regulation, the Chapman University women's soccer team snapped a scoreless tie and scored the game winning goal to defeat visiting Pomona-Pitzer Colleges at Wilson Field on Wednesday evening. The victory improved the Panthers' record to a perfect 6-0 to open the season, equaling the best start in school history, last accomplished in 2003.

With time winding down, Chapman earned a corner kick and senior M Megan Tharp sent a cross in front of the goal resulting in a scramble for the loose ball by both teams. Sophomore F Kate Lilly couldn't get off a shot, but kicked the ball out to sophomore D Rosie Chinen who fired a shot from the left side of the goalie box. It ricocheted it off a Sagehens defender and into the back of the net for the game's only goal.

Chapman had controlled much of the game offensively, in particular in the second half where the Panthers out-shot the Sagehens 8-3. For the game, Chapman also held an 11-2 advantage in corner kicks.

Sophomore GK Chloe Canta was solid once again in goal for the Panthers, making three saves and earning her fourth shutout of the season. Pomona-Pitzer (1-4) had its best scoring opportunity midway through the second half on a corner kick of its own. Canta was knocked to the ground trying to defend the corner, got up and made a sprawling save on a rebound and shot attempt by Pomona's Katy Metcalf.

The Panthers will try to make it seven in a row when they face Orange County neighbor Vanguard University in Costa Mesa on Friday at 6 p.m.

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