Playing her first match for Ventura College, Sabrina Lopez netted a header in the 19th minute to lead the Pirates to a 1-0 victory in the season-opener Thursday night at the VC Sportsplex. Sophomore goalie Katelyn White had a strong match with six saves, including three critical ones in the second half to help preserve the victory for Ventura (1-0-0) on the opening day of the Nike Soccer Community College Classic.
The Pirates held the upper hand early over the Falcons, who came into the contest with a No. 16 national ranking in the preseason NSCAA poll. Sophomore Abigail Littleton led a pair of runs to the goal from her left forward position in the first 15 minutes and sophomore forward Sofia Chandler had an early shot on the net in the 17th.
Sophomore Miranda Campos chased down a pass down the right side, receiving a foul when she got to the ball, setting up the Pirates' goal. Lopez converted sophomore Delanie Gavid's free kick from just outside the right edge of the box for the only score of the match.
VC continued to put pressure on the Falcon defense as Lopez made a nice run in the 33rd minute and Michelle Rios had a shot sail wide near the end of the first half. White also had a solid diving save in the 39th minute.
Ventura lost its energy over the intermission and it nearly cost them the game. If not for a kick save by Paola Cano deep in the box in the 47th minute, the Falcons could have equalized early in the final period.
The Pirate defense held fast in the final 45 minutes, with White leading the charge in goal. Lopez and the Pirate offense did produce some solid scoring changes down the stretch, but could not put the match away with a second goal. The Pirates came away with a solid 1-0 result.
VC will close the Nike Classic on Saturday Aug. 30 with a 3:00 pm match against Evergreen Valley College from San Jose at the Sportsplex.