KALAMAZOO, Mich. - The Kalamazoo College women's soccer team hosted its first MIAA home game on Saturday afternoon (Oct. 1) against Albion. After the first 65 minutes went scoreless, Destiny Garcia hit a 25-yard shot over the goalkeeper for the game-winning goal over the Britons.
"I am proud of the group's resilience today," said Head Coach Bryan Goyings. "Albion is an excellent defensive team and have only given up a handful of goals all season. Additionally, they did not allow us to find a defensive rhythm, and I felt set pieces would be a critical component of today's game. Fortunately, we converted on our opportunities."
The pace was slow for the first 45 minutes as there were only five shots total between both teams. Three of them were on the net as Ellie Andrews collected the only one for the Hornets. The game went into halftime, tied at zero.
The pace picked up in the second half, with Albion creating nine shot opportunities and Kalamazoo having six. In the 66th minute, Anni Schnell sent a corner kick into the box as Elle Bernas attempted to head home. However, the ball ended up leaking out to the top of the box with Destiny Garcia sitting there. Garcia collected the ball, let it bounce twice, and then struck it with the top of her foot. The shot had top spin, bending over the goalkeeper and under the crossbar for her second goal of the season. The Britons had a chance to tie the game with a penalty shot in the 85th minute, but it hit the crossbar and was cleared by the Kalamazoo defense. The Hornets held on for their first MIAA win of the season.
Lexi Nesbitt (4-3-2) made three saves in her second shutout of the season. Albion ended the game with more shots (11-9), corner kicks (6-3), and fouls (11-8), while both teams had three saves in the contest.
"Destiny showed great composure on the finish, which proved to be the difference. Savera Rajendra-Nicolucci was also outstanding with her defensive work, and her ability to connect passes was key to our success today," said Coach Goyings.
The Hornets will continue conference play with another home game on Tuesday (Oct. 4) against Hope at MacKenzie Field, as kickoff is set for 7 p.m.