LOS ANGELES – JJ Hoover saved a second half penalty and the Lions women’s soccer team held on for a 1-0 win over Grand Canyon on Sunday afternoon at Sullivan Field.
The Lions had a glut of chances but could only find the goal through a 45th minute penalty converted by Kylie Dobbs. Callan Harrington made her Lions debut in the first half and was the recipient of the penalty after making a darting run into the penalty area and drawing a foul. Dobbs stepped up to the spot twice, the first attempt was drawn back due to encroachment, and converted to open the scoring right before the horn. It was Dobbs’ fifth goal of the season.
The second half got off to an inauspicious start with Grand Canyon being awarded a penalty. Hoover read the kick and was already leaning to her left when the shot was taken, saving the penalty with two strong palms and pushing the ball out to the defense. Hoover came up big for the Lions, notching six saves while also punching away and collecting numerous dangerous crosses and through balls from the Grand Canyon offense.
Hoover now has three career shutouts at LMU and two this season.
Megan Rucker continued to be a dangerous offensive weapon down the left wing as she drove at defenders as well as delivered three inviting balls across the face of goal that did not find a Lion foot. Caitlyn McCulloch was impressive again in midfield.
Praise is deserved for the players that went a full 90 minutes in the heat on Sunday: Olivia Winter, Maci Land, Helen Schaefer, Rucker, Genevieve Watkins, Emma Gustad Myklebust and Hoover.
The Lions head on the road for an extended road trip and will not be back to Sullivan Field until October. They will head to Cal State Bakersfield on September 12 before returning to Orange County to face Cal State Fullerton on September 19. Both of those matchups will be streamed live on ESPN+.
First appeared on lmulions.com