For 88 minutes on Friday night, the Ventura College soccer team played well enough for the win, or at least the draw against visiting Los Angeles Pierce College. The Pirates, however, could not find a way to put the ball into the net despite 14 shots and dominating the ball for much of the second half. Then in the 88th minute, an unlucky foul inside the penalty box gave the Brahmas a penalty kick, a goal, and the 1-0 victory over the Pirates at the Sportsplex.
VC almost let the game slip away in the 20th minute when goalkeeper Eva Mcmillan made a play on the ball leaving the net open. Pierce got into the box with the ball before Carina Cardenas was able to stop the momentum, allowing Mcmillan to recover for the save. Late in the first half, the Pirates began to possess the ball better, and Kayla Simmons Allon had a pair of solid looks at the goal, including a rocket from just outside the box that sailed inches above the crossbar in the 42nd minute. The teams went into halftime in a scoreless tie.
Ventura controlled much of the second half, with the ball routinely being played around the Pierce penalty box. Paulina Aldrete, Simmons Allon and Justine Reyes had three shots in succession in the 51st minute, and Miranda Vasquez had another good look in the 66th minute. Maya Antunez had another shot in the 85th minute before the game fell apart for the Pirates.
With Pierce attacking inside the VC penalty box in the 88th minute, Mcmillan made a play on the ball. Unfortunately, she missed the moving target, and in the process, knocked down the Brahmas player resulting in a foul and penalty shot. Pierce converted, slotting the ball low and right into the net, taking a late 1-0 advantage. Ventura had one last chance to attack, but came up empty once again, sealing the result.
Ventura has little time to reflect on the game Friday as they turn around and travel to Cerritos on Sunday Sept. 24. The Pirates and Falcons will kick off at 4:00 pm. VC's next home match is Tuesday Oct. 3 against Citrus.