OREM, Utah. - The Cal State Fullerton women's soccer team led for nearly 83 minutes against Utah Valley after an early goal but a late penalty kick gave the Wolverines an equalizer as the Titans escaped from Utah Valley with a point on Saturday evening at the UCCU Stadium.
The Titans and Wolverines were both tied at the top of the standings heading into the match and are now with 8 points through four rounds of Big West play behind a 2-0-2 record in conference play.
The Titans took an early lead in the 6th minute as
Camryn Cruz sent a ball up the field from the midfield line. Â The Utah Valley defender tried playing a backpass to the goalkeeper but
Cassie Villanueva got to it first and calmly slotted it to the far post past the keeper on a perfectly angled shot for her seventh goal of the season. Villanueva continued her streak of getting at least one point in seven straight games. Â She has had a goal contribution in ten of the eleven games she has played so far this year and is second in the Big West Conference with 20 points on seven goals and six assists.
The Titans had one more good attempt in the first half as
Sail Bozinovic's shot went over the box as the Wolverines outshot the Titans 11-to-2 in the first half.Â
Allison Craycroft stood big in the goal in the first half, making six saves.
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In the second half, the Titans defense continued to shut down the Wolverine offense as they attempted numerous shots that went nowhere near the target. Â
The Titans were nearly two minutes away from escaping with three points when a series of unfortunate calls went against the Titans.  Craycroft was called for a foul in the box after missing a ball near the top of the box and an attacker fell over Craycroft trying to get an attempted spill of the ball inside the box. The referee had initially called for a penalty kick and confirmed his decision after a review. Craycroft then continued her banner night by making a penalty save against Sadie Beardall after saving the ball to her right but the referee said she took a step off the line early and called for a rekick.  Kate Booth made the penalty for the Wolverines to tie the score at 1-1.
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For the match,
Allison Craycroft finished with a career high nine saves. Â
The Titans had a late chance at the end game for a game winner after Kaylin Rabon was fouled on the left side of the 18-yard Wolverine Box. Â However,
Riley O'Brien's freekick sailed just over the net.
The Titans will look to regroup as they host UC Santa Barbara next Saturday at home, in another matchup of the top teams in the conference. Â Kick-off is set for 6:00 p.m.
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