Mustang News Staff Report
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In an intense match, the Cal Poly women’s soccer team (2-3-0) faced Oklahoma State (0-6-0) Thursday in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The Cowgirls were able to surpass the Mustangs with a final score of 2-1.
Allie Stephenson, assisted by Miriam Rhinehart, opened the scoring for the Cowgirls in the 21st minute.
Though both teams made many attempts on goal, the ball couldn’t find Cal Poly’s net during the first half. Sophomore defender Nicole Wheeler and sophomore forward Megan Abutin were among the many Mustangs with legitimate chances on goal.
After the referees whistle signaled the start of the second half, the Mustangs were dominating play. In the 63rd minute, junior forward Elise Krieghoff broke through, rifling a shot off the crossbar that fell to Abutin, who tapped it in to even the score at 1-1.
The goal marked the rise of aggression for both teams, resulting in a combined 19 fouls in the second half.
No foul would prove more decisive than the one committed by the Mustangs in the box in the 72nd minute. Stephenson stepped up and slotted the penalty kick past junior goalkeeper Alyssa Giannetti, sealing the victory for the Cowgirls.
Despite the loss, the Mustangs out-shot the Cowgirls 20-11. Ten of those shots came off the boot of Krieghoff, who also equalled the entire Cowgirl squad with four shots on target.
The Mustangs are on the road again Sunday, where they will face Oral Roberts (2-2-2) at 10 a.m.
Amelia Parreira contributed to this staff report.