The VC women's soccer team used a late goal by Elisa Merlos to roll past visiting Moorpark 2-1 Friday night. Alix Tirado assisted the game-winner in the 85th minute along with an Alyssa Gonzalez score in the 44th minute to help lead the way for VC (8-7-3, 6-3). Kambria Haughton played a scoreless first half in goal while Isa Garcia had three saves in the second 45 minutes of play as goalie.
After a relatively uneventful first half, the Pirates got on the board with a minute left to play until halftime. Gonzalez scored for Ventura off of a wonderful back heel pass from Tirado in the 44th minute for the 1-0 VC advantage.
Moorpark scored the equalizer in the 50th minute before Ventura found the game-winner in th 85th. Tirado made a run down the left side, sending a beautifully driven cross to the incoming run of Merlos, whose one-touch slotted past the goalie inside the far post for th go-ahead score.
The Pirates ended the game with 16 shots, eight on gaol, while Moorpark totaled seven with four on target.
Ventura continues Western State Conference play on Tuesday Nov. 1 at Los Angeles Pierce College in Woodland Hills.