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Los Angeles, CA — Occidental's women's soccer team was in La Verne for a matchup against the Leopards on Saturday night. 

La Verne brought the fire early in this one with a quick shot that was on goal that needed to be saved by Tiger goalie Alyssa Esparza. The Leopards were able to strike first early on in the game as they scored with only about 4 and a half minutes off of the board in the game. 

Oxy was prepared to stay calm and continue to attack within their game plan. Gigi Yamamoto had a shot on goal for the Tigers but it was saved by La Verne's keeper to maintain their lead. Malia DeCastro also had a shot on goal for Oxy but it too was saved by the Leopard goalie and Oxy was forced to continue to work for their first goal. 

In the 35th minute of the game, Oxy drew a yellow card on a Leopard defender and was awarded a penalty kick and a chance to even the score. First Year Mia Steadman stepped up to take the kick for the Tigers and put it into the back of the net to tie the game at 1 in the 1st half. 

Looking to take the lead, Maile Fukushima took a shot that was just high and Alessia Sacchi was able to get off a shot on goal and force the La Verne goalie to make their 3rd save of the 1st half and keep the game tied. 

Shortly into the 2nd half both Maile Fukushima and Lauren Cassel once again tested the Leopard goalie who made two more saves on nice shots to keep the game tied. Oxy was playing good defense and preventing La Verne from getting good looks at the goal. Tiger goalie Alyssa Esparza was tested one time by a Leopard shot in the 2nd half and made the stop to preserve the tie. 

Cassel once again forced the goalie to make a save in the 61st minute as Oxy continued to put pressure on La Verne's defense with good offensive possessions. Yamamoto also got another shot on goal with just over 20 minutes to play in the game. 

Despite good attempts to take the lead by Oxy, the game would end in a 1-1 tie and Oxy's SCIAC record moved to 2-2-2 as they sit tied in 3rd place with Whittier College currently in the standings. 

Women's soccer will play Chapman University at home on Wednesday October 4th at home on Patterson Field.