Titans Defeat Defending Champs

Annie Wenzlau quarterbacked the San Marino offense. (Photo by AC)

(San Marino) – The improbable playoff run continued for San Marino with a 1-0 upset victory over defending CIF Division 7 champion Sierra Vista.

An innocent looking shot by Alana Hillman from 20-yards out scooted by Lady Dons goalkeeper Alyssa Lozano for the game-winning goal in the 35th minute.

For much of the match, the Titans bottled-up the middle of the pitch to stop Sierra Vista’s leading goal scorer Lizbeth Rodriguez.

Anytime Rodriguez received the ball three Sam Marino defenders would converge to steal the ball or have her pass it off.

The Titans did set the tone in the first half with many scoring chances the last 20 minutes of half.

Midfielder Annie Wenzlau distributed the ball well for San Marino throughout the game to open up the middle of the field for the Titans offensive attack. Wenzlau made incredible shot that was brilliantly saved in the 28th minute that could’ve opened up the scoring.

The Lady Dons didn’t go quietly in the second half with Jessica Lopez making a dangerous cross that was thwarted by San Marino goalie Carlee Beckler in the 44th minute.

Seven minutes later, Wenzlau had to golden chances to put the game away with two nicely placed strikes that Lozano saved to keep Sierra Vista in the game.

The assault on net continued for the Titans in the 68th minute as Hillman’s shot appeared to be going into the right-upper corner of the goal only to clang off the crossbar.

Alex Schuster found the crossbar for San Marino four minutes later and the rebound was shot wide by Hayley Williams.

Beckler for her part defending the net stopped three shots on the day.

A last ditch effort for the Lady Dons went wide off the head of Jasmine Loera in the final minute of play.

The next stop for the Titans is a quarterfinals meeting with Ocean View.

San Marino's Alexa Delahooke battles for the ball. (Photo by AC)

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Sierra Vista 0 0 0
San Marino 1 0 1
San Marino Alana Hillman 35th Minute

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