Women's Soccer Ends Season at Pasadena

The VC women's soccer team had a tall order to complete in its playoff game Tuesday afternoon at Pasadena. The No. 15-seeded Pirates received a gift goal in the opening minute of play, but could muster nothing else as the No. 2-seeded Lancers scored twice in rapid succession just before halftime and received a third goal late in VC's 3-1 playoff loss. The setback ended Ventura's season with a solid 16-4-4 record in their 27th post-season appearance in 28 seasons.

In soccer, teams often need good fortune in addition to skill to advance in knock-out play. The Pirates received that good fortune in the opening minute of play as a misplayed ball by Pasadena found the inside of the net for a 1-0 Ventura advantage.

The Pirates made that margin stand for most of the first half with Yaraby Herrera recording a shot early in the game. Janessah Gonzales had one save in goal as VC withstood five PCC shots before the Lancers broke through in the 43rd minute to level the score. 

Unfortunately, the Lancers used the momentum to net another score before intermission, taking a 2-1 lead with a stoppage time goal.

Ventura stayed in the game through much of the second half, despite struggling to generate offensive chances.  Pasadena remained on the offensive with six shots in the first 30 minutes of play after halftime with Gonzales recording a pair of saves.

Pasadena put the game away with a third goal in the 81st minute.

VC continued the fight late with a save in goal by Sibella Donnelly and shots by Jennifer Galindo, Desire Lopez and Emily Ramirez but to no avail. The Lancers advanced after the final whistle by the 3-1 result.