Women's Soccer Team Ranked 5th in the Nation

The Chargers dominated their first Orange Empire conference game from the moment the first whistle blew.

Early in the game, Charger forward Angie Silva #18 sent a smooth pass to Charger forward Nayeli Meza #7. Meza dribbled the ball into the box drawing the goalie out. She made a move around the goalie and delivered an uncontested goal into the net for the Chargers first score.

Later in the first half, Charger forward Juliane Adams #9 crossed the ball in front of the goal and Charger midfielder Alana Wohlers #5 got her foot on the ball to deflect it into the net extending the Charger lead to 0-2.

During the second half, the Chargers were on the attack again. Charger forward Nayeli Meza #7 dug the ball out of the far right corner, made a soccer move to free herself from a Gaucho defender, and made an accurate cross to Charger forward Kari Wathen #4. Wathen completed the play by sending the ball into the net and the Chargers took a commanding 0-3 lead.

When the Chargers had a throw-in near the opponent's goal, Charger forward Michelle Hampton #21 executed a somersault throw-in, which launched the ball into the box similar to a corner kick. The acrobatic throw-in is a very effective weapon for the Chargers.

Charger goalie, Meagan Broghamer #1, was not tested very often due to the solid Charger defense. She did make a sensational save following a foul shot kicked by a Gaucho player. Broghamer only needed to touch the ball a handful of times throughout the entire match.

It is common for the defense to be overlooked in the highlight videos or news articles but they are essential to every win.

Success on the soccer field starts with consistent defense. The Chargers have a great defensive unit. During this home game, Charger defender, Hina Lilii #15, moved the ball from side to side repeatedly avoiding Gaucho pressure and initiating the Charger attack.

Lilii made efficient passes up the right side to Charger mid-fielder Elizabeth Ledezma #10, or Charger forward Juliane Adams #9, up the middle of the field to Charger mid-fielders Amber Lopez #20, or Casey Kiehl #3 , up the right side to Charger defender Nicole Weil #8 and others. 

After the game, Charger sophomore Alana Wohlers #5, was asked about the game. Wohlers responded, "I thought we played pretty well. We could of finished some more chances but we are looking pretty good this year defensively and working off some really good strong center-mids, we have a lot of young forwards but a lot of potential this year."

Charger freshman, Nayeli Meza #7 was also asked about today's game. Meza replied, "Today's game? It went well. We could've had more shots with more goals but it happens. But we ended up finishing 3-0 so that's a good thing." When asked which was more difficult between practice or games Meza said, "We practice to get a spot and then when you get a spot at the game, that's when you gotta bring it or you lose your spot." Charger freshman, Michelle Hampton #21 added, "Basically you have to try your hardest all the time."

Assistant Coach Randi Martinez said, "The kids came out and performed and we got an early goal and that makes things easy." He went on to say, "Our record is 6-0. We are number 5 in the nation."

The Chargers will be back in action at home playing their second conference game against the Orange Coast Pirates on Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 3:00 p.m.

Enjoy the TGIF highlight video.