The Pirate soccer team was a long way from home on Thursday night, but played like they were in the comforts of home with a solid 1-1 draw at Las Positas College in Livermore. Valeria Ramirez scored for Ventura (2-2-1) in the 71st minute to give VC a 1-0 lead. Despite allowing an equalizer to the Hawks 10 minutes later, the Pirates maintained intensity for the result.
Expectations were tempered heading into the contest. The Pirates made the long drive to the East Bay earlier in the day and Las Positas entered the game with a spotless mark on the season, including wins against Southern California sides Cypress and Irvine Valley.
VC took an aggressive stance early with shots on goal off free kicks by Sirena Romero in the 12th and 15th minutes. Audrey Castillo had a pass into the box in the in the 30th minute wit a touch by Marina Salinas, but the Pirates came up empty. Meanwhile, Goal keeper Eva Mcmillan kept Las Positas out of the goal on the defensive end with a pair of early saves. Romero had another shot on goal in the 42nd minute, to no avail, and the teams went into halftime tied at 0-0.
Ventura opened the final half of play with another pair of free kicks by Romero, and Mcmillan had a great save in the 58th minute to maintain the scoreless tie. Ramirez finally broke through with her first goal of the season in the 71st minute with an assist from Paulina Aldrete.
Las Positas managed a score in the 80th minute of the game, bu the Pirate defense led by Paola Gonzalez and Kayla Simmons Allon and anchored in goal by Mcmillan preserved the tie.
VC will take on Santa Rosa on Friday Sept. 8 in Livermore at 6:00 pm before making the long drive back home. The Pirates will host Rio Hondo on Friday Sept. 15 at 6:00 pm at the VC Sportsplex.