The Pirate soccer team took 25 minutes of game time to shake off the effects of the long ride to San Jose Thursday, falling behind 4-0 at Evergreen Valley before mounting a furious comeback that fell just short. Valerie Hernandez continued her strong play in the midfield, scoring a goal while Alix Tirado also had a strong game with one goal and an assist. Alyssa Gonzalez also found the inside of the net for the Pirates (1-3-0).
Things went south for Ventura up north from the early going. The Hawks converted a PK in the 17th minute after a controversial penalty call on a tackle in the box. Three minutes later EVC scored again off a left cross and they went ahead 3-0 in the 24th minute, also on an attack from the left side. Just two minutes later they solidified their advantage with another score.
The Pirate began to right the ship immediately after as Hernandez scored in the 27th minute from an assist by Sofia Preciado. The Pirates trailed at halftime 4-1.
Nine minutes into the second half, Tirado got into the action with a goal off a helper from Alexis Arrieta. In the 75th minute, VC closed the gap even more when Tirado assisted a score from Gonzalez. But despite the furious effort for the final 15-plus minutes of play, the Pirates could not find the equalizer in the 4-3 defeat.
Ventura had 15 shots total with eight on goal. The Hawks also totaled 15 shots in the contest.
Isa Garcia came on in goal in the second half for VC, recording three saves in giving the Pirates the chance at the comeback.
The road remains difficult for Ventura as they will take on 2021 state champion Hartnell in Salinas on Saturday Sept. 10.