ORANGE, Ca. - UC Santa Cruz women's soccer dropped a narrow 1–0 decision to Chapman University on Saturday afternoon despite a strong defensive effort and several promising looks in the attacking third. The Banana Slugs controlled long stretches of possession and generated a balanced attack across both halves, but an early Panther goal proved to be the difference.

How It Happened

Chapman struck in the 18th minute with a shot to the far post that seemed to be veering wide but snuck into the side netting. Prior to the goal, UC Santa Cruz had created early pressure with Kristi Truong firing the game's first shot high in the sixth minute and Sydney Boyd sending a pair of attempts just wide. The Slugs continued to push forward as Erin Freeman forced a save in the 25th minute, and Camille Anneet's follow-up shot moments later missed narrowly over the bar. Emilie Brack and Cassidy Segrell helped spark additional first-half momentum, linking play through the middle as Ainsley Gove anchored the back line in goal to keep Chapman's lead at 1-0 heading into halftime.

UC Santa Cruz produced several chances while limiting Chapman's attack in the second half. Truong tested the Panther goalkeeper in the 68th minute with a well-placed shot toward the bottom corner, and Emily Estrada forced another save less than ten minutes later. Tatiana Fernandez and Susanaitzel Juarez-Mancera added back-to-back attempts that came nearly leveled the match. Camille Anneet's late strike in the 83rd minute was handled at the goal line, keeping UCSC off the scoreboard. Gove finished with a pair of second-half saves to keep the Slugs within striking distance as UCSC outshot Chapman 7-2 in the final 45 minutes and 13-7 overall. Despite the sustained pressure the Banana Slugs couldn't find the equalizer before time expired.

UC Santa Cruz, now 3–5–1 on the year and will look to rebound in its next nonconference match as the Slugs host California Lutheran on Oct. 11 at 2:00 p.m.