The Pirate soccer team dominated the ball in their season opener Thursday night against Hartnell in the Nike Soccer Community College Showcase at the VC Sportsplex. It was only fitting that they were able to find the net late to come away with the 2-1 victory. Jennifer Orozco had an assist early in the second half and scored the game-winner in the 85th minute to lead VC (1-0) to victory.
The Pirates experienced opening night jitters early on and were unable to sustain any cohesive attack. They did get to the net however, as Janelle Garcia had a nice run down the middle sailing a lob shot high in the 23rd minute. Josselyne Pereda and Megan Henderson also had looks at the goal, but could not find the back of the net a short while later. Hartnell took advantage of a defensive misplay late in the first half, scoring the game's first goal in the 41st minute.
The Pirates became more cohesive and aggressive after intermission. Michelle Rios netted the equalizer off of a cross by Orozco, slotting it into the left side of the goal two minutes into the second half. VC kept up the pressure, attacking in waves while controlling the ball in the Hartnell half of the field for much of the time. Henderson centered a pass to Pereda for a shot that was stopped in the 61st minute, and Sarah Garcia sent a 35-yard rocket just high and wide six minutes later. Hannah Greene sent a shot off the side bar of the goal and Orozco hit a left-footed shot wide in the 70th.
In the 85th minute, Greene controled the ball on the right side, sending it forward to Orozco who settled in, beat a defender and sent a crossing shot to the back top left corner of the net for the game winner.
Ventura was aggressive offensively, taking 17 shots with 12 on goal. Hartnell, meanwhile, manged just four shots, two on goal. Pirate goal keeper Marissa Dominguez had one save in the net.
VC hosts four more games on Friday Sept. 2 at the Sportsplex in the Nike Showcase, and another six on Saturday Sept. 3 in the Sportsplex and on the West Field. The Pirates return to action on Saturday at 1:30pm against Evergreen Valley College.