Women’s soccer falls to Knox College 2-0

Chapman lost its first home game to Knox College 2-0 Aug. 31. Photo by Gabriella Anderson

After a physical nonconference game against the Knox College Prairie Fire, the Chapman women’s soccer team lost 2-0 in the home opener Aug. 31.

Chapman opened the game with a shot on goal in the first minute, but Knox returned the favor, scoring the first goal of the game from the 15-yard line in the 34th minute. Knox College dominated the majority of the first half, with one shot on goal.

Less than 30 seconds later, Chapman made an offensive push, with sophomore forward Emmie Farber passing a sharp cross to junior forward Bailee Cochran. Chapman had four shots in the first half, but no goals.

Knox performed more vigorously than Chapman, which the Panthers did not anticipate, Farber said.

“This team, they were really, really aggressive,” Farber said. “They were probably a good amount stronger than we were. We’re kind of a small team so, again, we didn’t really know what to expect from them.”

Head coach Courtney Calderon said the team found success in their multiple chances at scoring, but needs to improve the final execution of their shots for future games.

“We had multiple chances, now we just need to finish,” Calderon said.

Despite beginning the game with a lot of nerves, the team was able to meet some of the expectations they set for themselves prior to the game, said junior forward Elly Aronson.

“We’re a very young team, and I think everyone was really excited, but also really nervous,” Aronson said. “Our expectation is to really go out, focus on what we’ve been doing in practice and execute. I think we did a lot of good things tonight.”

Chapman women’s soccer takes on Gustavus Adolphus College at 5 p.m. September 1 at the Redlands.