Box Score LANCASTER, Calif. – A strong first half and the team's first goal of the season weren't enough for Lady Argo soccer to overcome a strong, possession-minded University of Antelope Valley squad, losing 3-1.
 
The first 20-25 minutes of the first half was fairly even with UAV holding the ball a bit more, but the Lady Argos look dangerous in the counterattack. After a few good looks from each team, the Pioneers struck first.
 
It wasn't long, however, until the Lady Argos answered. A ball played down the right wing to sophomore Eme McLaughlin eventually resulted in an Antelope Valley foul. The ensuing free kick was set up to the right of the Pioneer penalty box and about 7 yards from the end line.
 
Junior Sydney Knieriem lined up to take the kick sent a perfect ball sailing across the net about 10 yards out. Freshman midfielder Soraya Alfaro came flying in, got her head on the ball and scored her first career goal and UP's first goal of the 2017 season.
 
The game stayed tied for a while, but eventually, the Pioneers get another shot past UP's freshman goalkeeper Dakota Neumann before the half was over. In a way, the score was similar to the one scored by Alfaro, only this one came during live play. A cross from shallow in the left corner was sent arching high over the face of the net and over Neumann and found another Pioneer at the back post.
 
UP continued to try and work the counter attack to tie up the game in the second half. Depending on who you ask, they did so with success. Twice during the game, the Lady Argos scored only to have the goal called back by the officials.
 
With their best efforts focused on offense to tie the score, the defense was left vulnerable and UAV scored again to make the score 3-1.
 
The loss puts the Lady Argos at 0-2 on the year and will continue to play on the road for one more contest before the team's home opener. UP's next match will be September 8 against Rocky Mountain College in a non-conference contest at 6 p.m.