OLYMPIA, Wash. — Sept. 2, 2026 — The Clark College women's soccer team opened its conference schedule with a hard-fought 2-2 draw against South Puget Sound Community College on Wednesday at the RAC.
The Penguins, who entered the match 0-0-2 overall, improved to 0-0-1 in conference play after rallying from a second-half deficit to earn a point on the road.
After a scoreless opening 45 minutes, Clark came out of halftime with increased attacking pressure. The Penguins fired 10 shots in the second half, more than tripling their first-half total, and broke through in the 51st minute.
Midfielder Elsa Bice put Clark on the board at 50:15, scoring the game's opening goal. Bice finished the match with two shots, both on target, giving the Penguins an early 1-0 advantage.
South Puget Sound answered with goals in the 60th and 71st minutes to take a 2-1 lead, but Clark continued to push forward.
The Penguins' persistence paid off in the 79th minute when Bella Rodriguez converted a penalty kick to level the match at 2-2. Rodriguez was one of Clark's most active offensive players throughout the night, recording a team-high five shots and two shots on goal.
Clark continued to generate chances in the final 10 minutes. Isabel McCauley recorded four shots and put two on frame, while Bice added another shot on goal in the closing minutes. McCauley's late effort in the 84th minute and Bice's shot moments later both forced saves from the South Puget Sound goalkeeper.
The Penguins finished the night with a 13-9 advantage in total shots and a 7-5 edge in shots on goal. Clark also held the advantage in corner kicks, 2-1.
Goalkeeper Ana Garling played all 90 minutes and made three saves to help Clark secure the road draw. Garling made two saves in the first half and added another stop after halftime.
Clark's defensive unit also helped limit South Puget Sound to just four second-half shots after the hosts recorded five in the opening half.
The draw gives Clark a valuable point in its first conference contest of the season.
With the offense producing 13 shots and 10 in the second half alone, Clark showed its ability to respond to adversity and finish strongly on the road.
The Penguins will look to build on the performance as conference play continues on Saturday as they travel to Centralia (2-0-4, 0-0-2).
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