In a hard-fought physical affair, the No. 10-seed Ventura women's soccer dropped a heart breaking 2-1 overtime decision at No. 7 Santa Monica Saturday in the first round of the CCCAA SoCal Regional Playoffs. Sabrina Lopez scored 17 minutes into the second half, and VC (11-5-5) nearly made it hold up before allowing a late score, and another late goal in the extra period.
It was a scoreless first half, but not without excitement. Physical play dominated, to the point that Pirate head coach Steve Hoffman received a yellow card protesting a non-call against the Corsairs. There were more fouls called than shots on goal in the opening period that ended in a 0-0 tie score.
Santa Monica had a chance to take control early in the second half as VC was assessed a penalty in the box in the 49th minute, giving SMC a penalty shot. VC goalie Katelyn White made a spectacular save to preserve the scoreless tie as play progressed.
in the 61st minute, Lopez took advantage of a Santa Monica miscue, a botched throw in, and rocketed a shot from 18 yards out to the upper corner of teh far post, giving the Pirates a 1-0 advantage.
Santa Monica dominated the ball for most of the remaining time as the Pirates tried to park a bus in front of the net to preserve the upset. White was superb in goal, gathering almost everything kicked her way.
The physical play continued, as the Corsair head coach was also assessed a yellow card for his complaints to the officials. In the closing minutes, VC earned yellow cards defensively, finally resulting in a short-handed situation for Ventura in the closing minute. At the culmination of an intense final five minutes plus extra time, Santa Monica finally took advantage of a VC yellow, and headed home a free kick just before the final whistle, sending the match to overtime.
In the extra period, the Pirates maintained the level score through the first 15 minutes despite being a player down. With five minutes remaining until penalty kicks, SMC took a free kick from just outside the box and sent it into the net, just beyond White's reach on the far post. Santa Monica made the goal stand and advanced with the 2-1 decision.
The Pirates end the season with disappointment, but with heads held high. Their We Play Hard motto transcends winning and losing and stands for giving one's best effort all of the time, with no excuses.
After Saturday night, the Pirates owe no excuses, as they laid it all on the line for their team, their school and their community. They lived up to the best traditions of Ventura College women's soccer.