Jill Aguilera’s late goal lifts Arizona to big win at UC Irvine

The Wildcats successfully bounced back from their loss to Albany

Jill Aguilera scored in the 71st minute to lift Arizona soccer to a crucial 1-0 victory at UC Irvine on Thursday.

The victory serves as redemption for the Wildcats (1-1) after they were stunned by Albany in their opener last Friday.

Arizona dominated the second half of Thursday’s match, outshooting UC Irvine 10-4 in the period and 14-11 overall. The two teams battled to a scoreless tie last season and appeared headed for a similar fate Thursday before Aguilera’s heroics.

She roofed the keeper after a throw-in by Sabrina Enciso and a flick on by Kelcey Cavarra. It was the first goal of the season for Aguilera and the Wildcats.

Aguilera was second on the team in shots last year (28), but had trouble with her finishing, scoring just twice. But she worked on that with UA head coach Tony Amato in the offseason, which evidently paid off.

Amato is now one win shy of becoming the winningest coach in school history. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Lainey Burdett tallied her 18th career shutout and needs just three more to break the school record. The senior had four saves against the Anteaters, including a diving save in the 89th minute to preserve the lead.

Arizona returns to action Sunday when it hosts Houston Baptist at 6 p.m. MST. HBU beat Houston in its season opener.

This story will be updated.

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