Wolverines Chew up Lady Hornets

Poor finishing and a sluggish first half were factors in the Hornets 4-2 defeat against San Bernardino Valley last Tuesday. The non-conference loss snapped Fullerton's 4-game home unbeaten streak.

"We had a hard time getting started," said Hornet Assistant Coach Tony Barber.

The match was a tale of two halves. Some nice possession soccer by the Wolverines characterized the first 45 minutes, while the game opened up after halftime with both teams getting some decent chances.

Valley defender Brianna Jones helped contain Fullerton's vertical attack, making some key stops on Hornet forwards Amanda Phillips and Kimmi Walsh. Wolverine midfielders Marisa Zamorez and Kalee Lopez showed good speed and a nice touch working the wings, while Megan Dias was strong and fast in the middle. Phillips appeared to have an off-game. The Fullerton sophomore was wide of goal on a pair of shot attempts where she seemingly could have done better.

The Wolverines (10-4-2) looked to build their attacks from the right side early, with a long range shot by Dias caught by Hornet goalie Briana Magana. Phillips couldn't get a head on a swerving cross at the other end.

As the half wore on, Valley took control, showing nice ball movement in the Fullerton half on offense.

Wolverine pressure paid dividends with a Stephanie Roman goal near the 35-minute mark. A few minutes later, Fullerton lost a key player when midfielder Rachel Lopez, one of the team's fastest players, left the game after falling while on a breakaway. Lopez had to be carried off the field, and Barber said the freshman "may" have injured her ACL.

After Valley went up 2-0, Walsh narrowed the margin with her ninth goal of the season. Phillips missed wide right on a good look at goal, and Valley soon made it 3-1 on a long range shot by Danielle Jones over reserve keeper Allison Sheehy, who replaced Magana at halftime.

A Walsh score on a Phillips assist put Fullerton (5-9-2) back in the game, but the Hornets couldn't equalize. With time winding down, the Wolverines added an insurance goal on a 3 on 1 breakaway, taking advantage of Fullerton's defense pinching up field.

It was the second consecutive defeat for the Hornets, who have cooled off after an impressive stretch in which they only lost once in six games. Walsh conceded the team underperformed.

"I think we could have played better. It wasn't our best game," she said.

It will be more trick than treat for the Hornets in their next game, as they battle unbeaten Santiago Canyon (16-0-0) on Halloween afternoon at Fullerton.

Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. The Hawks are the top ranked team in the state, and haven't been scored on since September 8.