The VC women's soccer team fell to defeat for the first time in 2014 as the No. 3-ranked Pirates lost a 2-1 decision to No. 7 Santiago Canyon at the Sportsplex Tuesday night. Sofia Chandler scored Ventura's lone goal from an assist by Sarah Garcia.
Ventura had dropped its previous seven meetings with the two-time state champion Hawks, but it looked as if their fortunes might change early. Garcia found Chandler on the far post in the ninth minute, and Chandler cashed in giving VC (4-1-0) an early 1-0 advantage. Santiago Canyon came right back to score the equalizer just a minute later, however.
The Hawks scored the game winner in the 66th minute, capitalizing on a Pirate turnover in the midfield and turning it into a goal.
Ventura was not without its chances late. Goalie Katelyn White made a couple of nice saves to keep the match within reach and Sabrina Lopez almost got a ball through to a teammate in front of the net on the final play of the night.
The Pirates come right back to the pitch, hosting Santa Monica on Friday Sept. 12 at the Sportsplex. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 pm.