(Carlsbad. CA) The Park University Gilbert women’s soccer team lost in its first postseason contest, dropping a 3-1 game to Saint Katherine in the first round of the California Pacific Conference Women’s Soccer Championships at Aviara Community Park.
This ends the most successful season in Park University Gilbert women’s soccer history. The Bucs won the most games (6) in school history, and they made the postseason for the first time.
Saint Katherine got on the board first as Vanessa Cruz scored her 14th goal of the season four minutes into the game. The Bucs were able to answer back seven minutes later as Alicia Ypinascored on a penalty kick after a hand ball in the box. This is the first goal the Bucs have scored on the Firebirds since the 2021 season.
The Firebirds were able to go to the half with the lead as with about four minutes remaining in the first half, Cruz put her 15th goal of the season in the net and the Bucs trailed going into the intermission.
The Bucs had five shots in the first half and four corner kicks applying strong pressure on the Firebirds. USK had seven shots of its own in the opening half but took things up a notch in the second half.
The Firebirds had 10 shots in the second half and held the Bucs to only two opportunities. Overall, the Buccaneers had seven shots (2 on goal) and USK had 17 shots (6 on goal).
The Buccaneers, while disappointed about this season ending, have a lot to look forward to next year as Bucs move into a new conference. The Bucs have most of this core team returning and have a highly regarded recruiting class coming in next season. Things are looking bright for head coach Kali Harmon and the Buccaneer women’s soccer team.
Press Release courtesy of Park University Athletics – Preston English
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