CHICO, Calif. – Defense was at a premium as Dominican women's soccer was unable to overcome an early goal Saturday night in a 1-0 loss to Chico State at University Soccer Stadium.
The Penguins (1-1-0) limited the Wildcats (1-1-0) to one goal as shots on frame were rare to come by with Chico State holding a 4-1 advantage for the game.
Michelle Salas Viniegra made two saves in the loss, while the Dominican defense added a team save in the first half to keep the match within reach.
The Wildcats found the breakthrough in the sixth minute after a clearance attempt outside of the box was intercepted by Olivia Hohnstein. Hohnstein dribbled to the top of the box and sent her shot toward the open right side of the goal for the only score of the match.
Dominican's best look of the opening half came in the 41st minute when
Guilianna McCarty put a shot on frame, but Charlotte Mailer was able to make the save. The Penguins looked for an immediate response coming out of halftime as
Takoah Castillo created a chance less than three minutes into the second half, but her attempt went high and right of the frame.
Chico State continued to put pressure on the Dominican back line, but the Penguins kept the deficit at one. Salas Viniegra made her second save of the night in the 82nd minute, and Dominican earned its lone corner kick less than two minutes later as it searched for the equalizer. The Penguins were unable to turn the late set piece into a shot, and Chico State held on over the final minutes to preserve the shutout.
Dominican will return to its home pitch Tuesday to take on Menlo at 1 p.m. at Kennelly Field.
