SPRING ARBOR, Mich. – The No. 21 Spring Arbor University women's soccer team scored twice in a four-minute span in the second half to defeat Holy Cross College 2-0 in its home opener Wednesday night at the Cougar Soccer Complex.
Spring Arbor improved to 2-0 on the season, while Holy Cross dropped to 0-2. The match was a rematch of last season's NAIA National Championship First Round contest, which the Cougars won 5-0.
SAU controlled the action throughout the opening half and generated several scoring opportunities, but Holy Cross goalkeeper Janiah Juarez turned away each threat to send the match into halftime scoreless.
The Cougars finally broke through in the 53rd minute following an
Ella Peck corner kick.
Alana Simmons headed the ball inside the box before
Claire VanZanten redirected it with a header of her own to give Spring Arbor a 1-0 advantage.
VanZanten struck again just four minutes later.
Megan Mihaly delivered a cross into the box, and VanZanten finished the opportunity for her second goal of the night to double the Cougar lead.
Spring Arbor continued to control possession and limit Holy Cross's opportunities the rest of the way. The Cougars finished with a commanding 28-0 advantage in shots and held a 15-0 edge in corner kicks.
The shutout was Spring Arbor's second in as many matches to begin the season.
Spring Arbor (2-0) remains at home Saturday, Aug. 29 when it hosts Indiana University Northwest at the Cougar Soccer Complex. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m.
