COUGARS, BULLDOGS BATTLE TO A TIE

By Robert Balajadia

Fresh off a big win over the Sanchez Sharks earlier in the week, the Academy Cougars couldn’t quite find the same scoring success against the Okkodo Bulldogs as both teams were shutout in a tie game, 0 all.

Cougars forward Aubi Pangindian nearly netted a hat trick against the Sharks, and she was the closest the Cougars got to scoring in the first half.

Cougar Brittany Meno fed Pangidian off a corner kick within the first 30 minutes of action and Pangidian almost came away with the score, but Bulldog defense prevailed.

Okkodo didn’t fold in the second half as they were consistent with shots from forward Ariya Cruz. Cruz got past the Cougar defense and nearly scored off a header, but overshot her attempt by putting too much on it.

Cougars goalie Mya Sanchez had the save of the game on a penalty kick as Cruz tried to slip one past her, but the awareness combined with the athletic ability of Sanchez saved the goal.

PHOTO GALLERY:

Ke’ann Castro of the Bulldogs leaps over the tackle of Kaeliana Taitano to continue her streak down-field. (photo by Kyle Twardowski)

Kaeliana Taitano of the Cougars gets rid of an oncoming attacker. (photo by Kyle Twardowski)

Ariya Cruz of the Bulldogs jams past Kaeliana Taitano for a breakaway and another shot at goal. (photo by Kyle Twardowski)

Ariya Cruz gets tripped up while crossing the field in the second half. (photo by Kyle Twardowski)

Joanna Opolentisima of the Bulldogs gains control of the ball to drive into the box for a shot at goal. (photo by Kyle Twardowski)

Lauren Villanueva of the Cougars blasts to the upper corner for a cross to her teammate. (photo by Kyle Twardowski)

Players fight for ball control during the first half of the game. (photo by Kyle Twardowski)