Photo by samsphotoservices.com

Los Angeles, CA — Oxy women's soccer hosted the Chapman University Panthers on Saturday afternoon as a part of Homecoming and Family Weekend. 

The Panthers jumped out fast as Sidney Karjian scored for Chapman at the 8:52 mark of the game by kicking the ball in the high left corner of the goal, taking a quick 1-0 lead early on. The game would progressively continue to get more physical as the Tigers looked to score the equalizer. 

Zakrie Smith got off a shot for the Tigers in the first half but it was blocked nicely by a Panther defender. Around the halfway mark of the first half, Melanie Rodriguez made a nice save in goal to prevent a Panther goal that would have extended their lead. 

Only minutes later, Rodrigeuz was tested again on a low shot from another Chapman offensive attack. Anna Fukushima would respond by creating an opportunity for the Tigers just outside the box, taking a shot that forced the Panther keeper to dive to her left to make the save. 

Nearing the end of the first half, Oxy had an opportunity thanks to a foul from a Chapman defender. Gigi Yamamoto would take the free kick from just outside the box and place her kick perfectly for Caroline Murdoch, who finished off the play with a header that sent the ball into the back of the net to knot the score at 1-1.

Allison Bello and Caroline Murdoch were able to get off shots for the Tigers early on in the 2nd half, but neither shot required a save. After 20 minutes of play in the 2nd half, Chapman would put together an offensive possession that led to them scoring the go ahead goal as Jenna Urrabazo found the back of the net. 

A Tiger handball awarded Chapman a penalty kick that led to their 3rd goal of the game with about 11 minutes to go in the match. The Tigers threatened to score late in the game on a shot from Gigi Yamamoto that forced the Panther keeper to make a save to prevent the score. 

The Tigers would ultimately fall 3-1 as the match went final. Oxy took 9 shots in the game, with three of them on goal. Melanie Rodriguez made six saves in goal for the Tigers and Zakrie Smith and Caroline Murdoch each took two shots. 

The Tigers next game is against the CMS Athenas on the road in Claremont on October 23rd at 7:00pm.