Late Pirate Goal Secures a Draw at Citrus

Pirate freshman Tiffany Hernandez (18) netted the equalizing goal in stoppage time Tuesday evening as Ventura came home from Citrus College with a 3-3 draw against the Fighting Owls.
Pirate freshman Tiffany Hernandez (18) netted the equalizing goal in stoppage time Tuesday evening as Ventura came home from Citrus College with a 3-3 draw against the Fighting Owls.

Pirate midfielder Tiffany Hernandez scored the equalizing goal in stoppage time off a cross by Jennifer Ramirez and the VC women's soccer team escaped Glendora with a 3-3 draw at Citrus College Tuesday evening. Ventura (5-2-1) fell behind three times in the match, coming up with a goal to level the score each time. Alix Tirado scored twice on the night, her eighth and ninth goals of the season, and Kambria Haughton finished with five saves in goal.

The Fighting Owls opened the scoring with a goal in the 14th minute of play. 

The Pirates had an answer five minutes later as Stephany Ramirez sent in a great long ball that was chased down by Tirado who knocked the ball past the keeper for an even score at 1-1.

Citrus retook the lead in the 57th minute with a score, and VC once again had an answer. In the 77th minute, Valerie Hernandez sent in a strong shot to the top left corner of the goal, and Tirado was on hand to make sure the ball found the back of the net.

The hosts scored what appeared could be a game-winner in the 84th minute for a 3-2 advantage.

Ventura had other plans, however, as they mounted an offensive down the stretch that resulted in Tiffany's goal off of the cross by Ramirez shortly before the final whistle.

VC had 16 shots in the match compared to eight for the Owls, with nine of frame. Citrus had eight shots on goal.

The Pirates will next host Bakersfield on Friday Sept. 24. Kickoff with the Renegades is set for 6:30 pm at the Sportsplex. Tickets are available online at https://ventura.vbotickets.com/events.