San Rafael, Calif. - The Sunbirds never trailed Dominican University, but squandered two first half leads in a match that ended in a 2-2 tie. All the action was seen in the first half as both defenses held strong in the second and over time periods.
Freshman Tori Alvarez was responsible for both goals as she paced the Sunbirds offensive attack. Dianna Ortega tallied an assist off Alvarez's first goal.
It didn't take long for the Sunbirds to strike first as Ortega found Alvarez in the 15th minute, but the Penguins were able to answer right back at the 20:30 mark to make it a 1-1 tie.
The back and forth battle continued and the Sunbirds were able to grab their second lead with Alvarez's second goal of the day. Not to be out done, the Penguins again answered back less than five minutes later to knot the game at two goals apiece as they headed into half time.
Dominican stepped up the pressure as they more than doubled their shot attempts in the second half, but the superb play by goalie Justine Caldera kept the Penguins off the board. Caldera compiled 10 of her 11 saves in the second half to anchor the defensive stand of the Sunbirds.
The match would head into overtime but neither team nailed the golden goal as the match stalled for the 2-2 tie.
Head coach Erik Farfan felt the Sunbirds could have played better, but was glad to escape with a tie. “We were happy to get out of this match with a tie,” stated Farfan. “They (Dominican University) played very aggressive, but we didn't break.”
Next for the Sunbirds will be Simpson University on Saturday, September 20th. Kickoff at Ramirez Field is scheduled for a 12:00 pm start.
