Bobcats stun previously undefeated Hawks

The Saddleback women's soccer team won at Santiago Canyon College on Tuesday, 1-0, in Orange.  The Bobcats scored in the first minute and made it stick in giving the Hawks their first loss of the season.

Saddleback was looking to bounce back after dropping its first game of the season to Cypress College last Friday.  The Bobcats answered the bell early, scoring in the first minute and hanging on for a 1-0 victory against a Santiago Canyon squad ranked No. 2 in the nation according to the United Soccer Coaches.

As soon as the whistle blew to start the game, Saddleback moved the ball into the Santiago Canyon end and Averee Campos fed Lacy Ruston for a goal just 33 seconds into the game.  It was just the second goal of the season for Ruston, who hadn't scored since scoring the only goal of the game in a 1-0 win against Long Beach City on September 10.

Saddleback dominated the first 45 minutes, taking 13 shots with eight of them on goal.  The second half was a bit tighter as Bobcat goalie Olivia Wynn had to make five saves in the final 45 minutes to preserve the win. 

Saddleback's goal was the first goal that Santiago Canyon has surrendered this season.  With the win, Saddleback closed to within an eyelash of the Hawks in the standings.  With three points awarded for a win and one for a tie, Saddleback is back within two points of Santiago Canyon in the Orange Empire Conference standings. 

Saddleback will play again when it hosts Golden West College on Friday in the final home game of the regular season.  The Bobcats and Rustlers are scheduled to start at 3:00 PM.