CLAREMONT, Calif. — Occidental College and Pomona-Pitzer Colleges played to a 1-1 draw on Saturday at Pomona-Pitzer Soccer Stadium. Occidental took an early lead with a goal in the first half, but Pomona-Pitzer equalized in the second half. The home team outshot the visitors 16-5, but the Occidental goalkeeper recorded six saves to keep the match even.
Occidental started the first half with a quick offensive push, as
Mia Merkelbach scored the opening goal in the 2nd minute, giving the visitors an early lead. Rodriguez maintained the advantage with crucial saves, including a key stop against Ellie Peterson's shot in the 9th minute. Despite some fouls, Occidental held firm defensively and ended the half leading 1-0.
The second half began with a defensive stance from Occidental as Rodriguez made crucial saves, including two shots from Hannah Hong at the 47th and 67th minutes, keeping Pomona-Pitzer at bay. Despite Occidental's efforts, Pomona-Pitzer's Anjali Nuggehalli found the back of the net in the 84th minute to level the score. The half concluded with Rodriguez making another key save against Brooke Bailey in the 87th minute, ensuring a tense draw to end the match.
Occidental Top Performers
Melanie Rodriguez
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- six saves
Mia Merkelbach
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- one goal
- two shots
- two shots on goal
Zakrie Smith
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- one shot
- one shot on goal
Occidental holds a record of 2-1-2 overall and 1-0-1 in conference play. Pomona-Pitzer maintain an unbeaten record at 5-0-1 overall and 1-0-1 in conference play.
In their next game, Occidental welcomes Whittier College to Los Angeles for an evening matchup on September 24. The contest kicks off at 7 p.m. as they look to leverage home-field advantage.
