For 89 minutes, the Pirates' women's soccer team played even with visiting Citrus College. VC was even a bit unlucky on the offensive end or they could have been ahead. Then in the 89th minute, Citrus had a throw in deep in the Ventura end, and they converted it into a late goal that sent VC to a 1-0 defeat. The goal was just the fourth conceded by the Pirates (4-2-2) all season, and it upset what was another solid performance on the defensive end of the pitch.
The scoring chances were few and far between for both teams in the opening 45 minutes of play. Ventura came close in stoppage time when they sent a free kick from the right side in front of the net, but an offsides call was made as the ball was headed into the goal. The teams went into intermission with a scoreless tie.
The Owls had a great opportunity in the opening minutes of the second half, only to be turned away by a diving save from VC goalie Aracely Castro.
In the 52nd minute, Jasmin Ambriz had a shot bounce off the crossbar, and Jacqueline Rivera settled the rebound and took a shot, only to be turned away by the Owls' goal keeper. Sydni Hankinson had a great centering pass from the left side in the 61st minute and Ambriz's redirection off her heel missed just wide. Four minutes later Aleesa Ramirez had a nice run down the right side before her centering pass was headed out.
The Pirates had another great scoring chance late when Sammy Zanini's shot from 30 yards out bounced off the crossbar, as well, in the 87th minute.
In the 89th minute, the Owls had a throw in deep down the left side, and the ensuing play resulted in a pooch kick over Aracely's outstretched hands and into the net.
VC had one final chance in stoppage time, but a slotted shot to the near post was stopped, and the Owls held on for the victory.
Ventura will play its final non-conference game on Friday Sept. 27 at Bakersfield College. Kick-off is slated for 4:00 pm.