On a picture-perfect night, the Pirates' women's soccer team opened their 2019 campaign with a 1-0 victory over San Francisco Thursday at the VC Sportsplex in the New Balance Community College Classic. Jasmin Ambriz netted an unassisted goal in the 87th minute to provide the final margin for Ventura (1-0). Goalie Leslie Zuniga had three saves against the Rams to record the shutout victory.
Scoring chances were few and far between in the first half for both teams. The Pirates possessed the ball well, but could not break through the CCSF defense to produce solid offensive opportunities. Meanwhile, Zuniga along with VC defenders Natalie Lansberg, Sammy Zanini, Aleesa Ramirez and Stephany Ramirez kept a tight lid on the goal to limit the Rams' opportunities.
In the final half hour of the match, VC began to push their attack deeper into their offensive end, producing a flurry of set-piece chances. Ambriz was finally able to break through with the game-winner from the right side of the attack, floating a shot to the back corner of the net for the score.
Holding the slim advantage late, the Pirates were able to hold off a series of CCSF attacks, including a shot off the cross bar in stoppage time, to preserve the result.
In the game, Ventura recorded 13 shots with four on goal.
The Pirates will close out the New Balance Community College Classic on Saturday Aug. 31 with a 4:30 pm match-up against Hartnell College at the Sportsplex.
