HONOLULU – It seems that the soccer gods enjoy putting drama in Chaminade University women's soccer games this season.
For the third straight outing, the Silverswords had an outcome decided on a kick inside the penalty area. Like the scenario that happened on Sept. 27 at Dominican, the 'Swords came up on the short end of a 1-0 decision Thursday against Azusa Pacific at Saint Louis Field.
The game's only score came in the 63rd minute when Chaminade was assessed a foul inside of its own box, resulting in the game-winning PK byVictoria Castro.
The loss dropped the Silverswords to 1-2-5 overall and 1-2-2 in the Pacific West Conference while the Cougars, who are ranked just outside the United Soccer Coaches Division II Poll, improved to 5-1-3 and 2-0.
It was also the final meeting between the two programs with Azusa Pacific moving to NCAA Division III starting in 2026. Chaminade has a win (2021) and a draw (2022) in the 13 contests that began in 2012.
Thursday's match started out in typical 'Swords' fashion with stellar defense, despite being out-shot 5-to-1 in the first 45 minutes.
In the second half, CUH went on the offensive with four shots in the first 15 minutes including a kick by
Isabella Narvaez (Vail, Ariz./Cienega) that ricocheted off the right post in the 47th minute.
However, during a flurry of action inside Chaminade's goal area, they were called for a foul, resulting in the APU penalty kick.
The 'Swords' final chance at a score was in the 70th minute on a left-footed boot from
Bailey Loria (Fontana, Calif./Aquinas) which was saved.
APU took nine shots to Chaminade's six, just the second time this season the 'Swords have been outshot. Narvaez and
Sofia Desirello (Menifee, Calif./University of North Dakota/Paloma HS) took two shots each for CUH.
Clara Slate-Liu (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada/Ecolè Alpha Secondary) had the 'Swords' other kick at the net.
Both goalkeepers, Chaminade's
Maddie Merrick (Parker, Colo./Creighton University/Legend HS) and Azusa Pacific's Alexia Muniz both made three saves for their respective squads.
The Silverswords jump right back into the fray Saturday when they host Biola at the Saint Louis pitch at noon.
