Box Score The magical run for Cal State San Marcos women's soccer came to an end on Monday, as the #13 Cougars fell 3-0 to #4 Azusa Pacific.

Throughout the team's first three postseason games, the Cougars have had a clear game plan:  wear the opposition down in the first half, attack in the second.  CSUSM has such a high level of fitness that few teams can keep up with their pace for a full 90 minutes.  In the Association of Independent Institutions tournament, the Cougars were up just 1-0 on Embry-Riddle (AZ) at halftime before unleashing a scoring barrage in the first 25 minutes of the second half, leading to a 6-0 blowout.  Against Simon-Fraser in the championship game, CSUSM gradually wore them down, playing better as the contest progressed and eventually winning on penalty kicks.  And in the NAIA National Championship Opening Round, CSUSM and Benedictine were tied headed into the half before a pair of second-half goals by the Cougars put them ahead for good.

The key for the Cougars to pull an upset on Monday, then, was to stay even with Azusa through the first 45 minutes - a task made even more daunting with starting keeper Kaycee Gunion out with an injury.  And just eight and a half minutes into the match, Azusa earned a throw-in deep in the offensive zone.  Opportunities like this proved to be the difference in the game.  While the teams possess similar pace,  APU holds a clear size advantage, and nowhere is that more apparent than on dead-ball situation.  The ball went into the box, and Sarah Yoro was able to control it, make the turn, and fire a shot under keeper Brittini Salmon for the game's first goal.

The Cougar women have not allowed many early goals this season, and their team strengths (defense and fitness) do not particularly lend themselves to coming back from early deficits.  In the 20th minute, midfielder Courtney Drummond gave the Cougars their first legitimate scoring chance, making a great move and hitting a dangerous cross - but the finish was not there.  

APU would extend its lead in the 31st minute.  Another throw-in went into the box, and Theresea Broad hit a cross that Salmon did well to knock away.  But the rebound went right to Yoro, who drilled it into the empty net to make it 2-0 going into halftime.

Incidentally, CSUSM did indeed play better in the second half, taking control of the game away from APU and severely limiting scoring opportunities.  The two goal cushion proved to be too much to come back from, but the Cougar squad did itself proud in making a real effort.  Defender Michele Ramirez was outstanding in stopping some potentially dangerous opportunities, and fellow back line players Breanna Brenton, Alex Quindt, and Lauren Hernandez all played good soccer as well, especially in the second half.  

The game could have changed in the 81st minute, as Drummond struck a gorgeous shot from 30 yards out, bending it right at the corner of the net.  But Azusa keeper Alexa Douglas was up for the challenge, making a diving fingertip save to knock the ball off the post and cover it.  That was CSUSM's best chance of the afternoon, and Azusa responded by putting the match away once and for all with a goal in the 86th minute.

Still, the Cal State San Marcos women have nothing to be ashamed of.  When facing powerhouse teams like Azusa Pacific, lower-seeded teams will often play defensive soccer in an attempt to keep the score down.  The Cougars did none of that on Monday; they played their game for 90 minute, made numerous attacking runs, and had a couple chances to get back in the game.  Azusa proved too strong in the end, but CSUSM did the University proud with this effort.

The match marks the last game for the Cougars' all-time leading goal scorer, Katelyn Krauss, who tallied a team-high nine goals this season.