Davis, Calif.—For the second time this season sophomore forward
Kayla Ryan played the role of hero for the University of Hawai'i soccer team, netting two second-half goals on the road at UC Davis for a 3-2 win on Thursday.
The Rainbow Wahine (6-7-2, 4-1-2) improved their odds of clinching a berth into the Big West Conference Tournament with the win. Depending on results from conferences matches on Friday, UH could potentially secure a spot before playing in their final regular-season match on Sunday. The Aggies (7-11, 2-6) wrapped up their season with the loss and will finish outside of the top four slots of the conference standings.
Freshman forward
Kelci Sumida kept up her pace as she scored the fifth goal of her young career in the 13th minute off an assist from senior forward
Kayla Watanabe. UC Davis answered later in the half with a penalty kick goal from Janae Gonzalez in the 37th minute to tie the match up heading into the half.
Gonzalez and the Aggies took the lead with another penalty kick goal in the 56th minute at 2-1. Afterwards the 'Bows turned around and went on the attack.
In the 62nd minute, off an assist from Sumida on a long counter-attack, Ryan sprung free beating the goalkeeper for the equalizer at 2-2.
Nearly 13 minutes later, in the 75th minute, Ryan drew a foul with a yellow card, allowing the 'Bows to take the lead with a penalty kick of their own. For the second time this season, Ryan connected on a penalty kick and scored multiple goals in a match, giving UH the 3-2 advantage with 15 minutes to play.
UH stuck to its calling card and locked down the Aggies with its suffocating defense in the final moments to secure the win.
Due to her two goals, Ryan retook the team lead in goals with seven, while Watanabe is tied with freshman
Eliza Ammendolia for the team leads in assists with three.
Senior goalkeeper
Alexis Mata collected seven saves on the day, giving her 91 on the season. Mata's career-high in saves sits at 96 from her sophomore season in 2017.
The final regular-season match of the year is slated for Sunday with the 'Bows visiting Long Beach State. The match will air live on ESPN 3 with the pitch set for noon HT.
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