A Tough Start for the Lions
The opening minutes saw Pittsburgh seize control, striking first with a well‑timed strike from Celine Ottah set up by Adi Bianchin and Katie Ellermeyer. The early goal forced LMU onto the back foot, but the defensive unit, anchored by Sophia Bastidos, Kate Kubiak, Maci Land and Kaela Standish, held firm and limited further damage.
Pittsburgh’s pressure persisted, and a penalty in the 73rd minute extended their lead. Goalkeeper Hailee Takao made several key saves, keeping the Lions within striking distance despite the numerical disadvantage.
The breakthrough arrived in the dying seconds of regulation when Alaina Lee, a freshman forward, curled a free‑kick into the net after a precise pass from Izzy Smith. The goal marked Lee’s first collegiate tally and sparked a brief surge of optimism for LMU.
Despite the late strike, the final whistle confirmed a 2‑1 defeat, dropping LMU’s record to 0‑2‑0. The team will look to regroup as they travel to face Cal State Fullerton on August 23 at 4 p.m. in Fullerton, California.