Titans WSOC wins at Pierce going 5-0 in conference play

HERITAGE, Wash. — Tacoma (8-1-1, 5-0-0) defeated Pierce (1-6-2, 1-3-1) with a 2-1 victory on the road, scoring both goals in the second half.

Tacoma started the first half with an assertive offensive approach, creating multiple scoring opportunities early. Amelia Recardo's shot in the opening minute was saved by Pierce's goalkeeper, Rylee Kline, setting the tone for Tacoma's persistent attack. However, Pierce managed to break through with a goal by Elena Iniguez in the 7th minute, putting Tacoma behind 1-0.

Despite trailing, Tacoma continued to press forward, with Laura Corr and Railee Hutton actively testing the Pierce defense. Corr's efforts included a saved shot and a header that was blocked, while Hutton's attempts forced additional saves. Olivia Meyer contributed defensively, making critical saves to keep Tacoma within reach. The half closed with Tacoma trailing Pierce 1-0, maintaining pressure through several corner kicks and shots on goal.

The second half began with Tacoma leveling the score through a goal by Hutton in the 54th minute, assisted by Melanie Rojas-Perez. Tacoma continued to press the attack with a series of corner kicks, maintaining pressure on Pierce's defense.

Hutton struck again in the 80th minute, securing a lead for Tacoma. Despite a close call from Pierce when Grace Atkinson's shot hit the post, Tacoma's defense held firm. The half concluded with Tacoma maintaining a 2-1 lead, securing a victory on the road.

Pierce took an early advantage in the first half as Iniguez capitalized with a goal in the 8th minute, setting the hosts ahead 1-0. Tacoma pressured the Pierce defense with 10 shots, including four on target, but Kline stood firm in goal, denying multiple efforts, notably saving a shot from Tacoma's Hutton in the 29th minute. Despite Tacoma's offensive attempts and three corner kicks, Pierce's defense maintained the lead into halftime.

Tacoma surged in the second half to secure a 2-1 victory over Pierce, highlighted by Hutton's two pivotal goals. Hutton's equalizer at 54:09, assisted by Rojas-Perez, shifted momentum after an initial stalemate. Tacoma capitalized on their offensive pressure, earning four corner kicks, and Hutton's decisive goal in the 79th minute solidified the comeback. Pierce's persistent offense was thwarted, including a critical miss off the post by Atkinson at 80:43. Tacoma finished the half with a 2-1 lead on the scoreboard.

Hutton scored two goals, including the game-winner, contributing significantly to Tacoma's offensive efforts. Corr led the team with six shots, three of which were on goal, applying consistent pressure on the opposing defense. Rojas-Perez provided the only assist for Tacoma, adding to the team's attacking plays. In goal, Meyer recorded two saves while allowing just one goal in her 90 minutes of play.

Kline made a significant impact as the goalkeeper, recording eight saves on ten shots faced. Iniguez contributed offensively by scoring Pierce's only goal, which was also her single shot on goal. Atkinson was active up front, leading the team with three shots, two of which were on target.

Tacoma improved to 8-1-1 overall and 5-0-0 in conference play. Pierce moved to 1-6-2 overall and 1-3-1 in conference play.

Go Titans!