After biding its time for much of the first half, Sultana struck for a goal in the 38th minute, as junior midfielder Brianna Gonzalez ended a flurry of shots on the Granite Hills goal by punching one past Cougars’ keeper Katy Nearhoff.
Gonzalez’s goal was the last of three rapid-fire shots at Nearhoff, which started with a shot by Brianna Johanson that was saved by Nearhoff. The rebound went to Gonzalez, who had a shot deflected by Nearhoff before scoring on the rebound. The rally was started by a cross by Kelly Keyes.
Halftime horn just sounded with the Sultans up 1-0.