Game Recap By Mason Nesbitt, TMU Sports Information Director

Considering how well The Master’s University women’s soccer team has performed on defense this season, the Mustangs often have only needed one goal in order to come away with points.

Freshman Kyndel Borman provided that goal Saturday at Menlo College in Atherton, as the No. 22-ranked Mustangs won for the seventh time in their last eight matches – this time 1-0.

Master’s has lost only once since Aug. 24.

“Our defense has been fantastic,” said coach Curtis Lewis of a unit that features Kayla Peterson, already a two-time All-Golden State Athletic Conference selection as a junior, Laura English, Payton Williams and Seren Tamayo, and goalie Lacey Lehman.

On the year, the Mustangs (10-3-1, 3-1-0 GSAC) have posted eight shutouts.

That’s already only one fewer than last year when Master’s won 15 matches and advanced to the second round of the NAIA national tournament. Those Mustangs, though, relied on an offensive attack that was one of the most prolific in program history.

This group has ground its way to second place in GSAC standings with timely scores and defense. The Mustangs haven’t allowed a goal in their last 270 minutes of soccer.

“Our defense has really locked down this year,” Lewis said. “I think with that, it gives everyone a little freedom, knowing the defense is going to do what they need to do, and we only need to get one. And today we were able to do that.”

Thanks to Borman, who won a 50-50 ball in TMU’s attacking third and drove into open space.

“When I saw the space closing down, I took a shot to the far post,” Borman said, “and it went in.”

With authority.

“She hit a fantastic shot, cross frame,” Lewis said. “Beats probably any keeper.”

The Oaks (6-3, 1-2) didn’t manage to push any shots past Lehman, who recorded three saves and her seventh shutout.

TMU won’t play again until it travels to Santa Barbara to take on No. 10 Westmont College on Oct. 13 (noon start).

The key to maintaining momentum?

“We have to keep our energy up and stay positive out on the field,” Borman said. “It definitely helps us to put goals in the net, and we’re working on our shots and scoring them when it matters.”

Borman admitted that the transition to college soccer has been difficult at times. But, Lewis felt she played well in a 2-0 win over William Jessup on Thursday and came back with her best match of the year on Saturday.

“It’s been difficult,” Borman said, “but it’s worth it.”