By Brandon Petersen
The Westcliff women's soccer team struggled in the box once again Thursday afternoon at the Great Park, where the Firebirds of USK pulled out the win, 2-0.
It was another frustrating afternoon for the Warriors, who once again controlled most of the possession, save for a sloppy opening 15 minutes, but failed to find a result in the final 18.
"A loss is a disappointment always," Westcliff head coach Jack Gidney said. "Given the quality of opponent, and how much we bossed the game outside of the first 15 minutes, if I take a 5 to 6 minute segment of any part of that game outside of the first 15, I'm really happy with it.
"But again, and it's now a theme three games running, the game is won or loss in the boxes."
Westcliff enjoyed a 10-kick advantage in shots, and kicked four more corner set-pieces than USK, but where it counted, the Dubs simply couldn't find net.
"We're outshooting teams, we're out-possessing teams, we're bossing the territory," Gidney said. "But if the ball doesn't go in, you don't get the impetus to go get another one. And when you're doing all that, working hard and you're pushing — and the ball goes in against you — it's a real kick in the heart.
"So, I feel for them a little bit."
Thea Sofie Kanestrom and Marthe Engelstad both had a pair of shots on goal.
Sofie Fagereng, Merima Boehler, Sebelle Rojas and Angelina Espinal had one each.
Victoria Cavazos had eight saves for the Firebirds, and Kiara Fontanilla turned in seven for the Warriors.
"We also need a little bit of luck," Gidney said. "You see how much the ball is pin-balling around in there and it's just not falling to us yet."
Up next, the Warriors (2-3-1) head to Antelope Valley for a Saturday morning match.
"Either of two things are happening here for me," Gidney said. "One is, we hang our head, we feel sorry for ourselves, and we let the season dwindle away. Or, you grit your teeth, you say, 'This shouldn't be happening,' and you work a little harder. It's amazing how lucky you get when you work a little harder.
"We'll regroup tomorrow. We'll lick some wounds, and hopefully we will get it right on Saturday."
Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m.
