The Ventura College soccer team could not find the back of the net Friday evening in their 1-0 setback to visiting Bakersfield at the Sportsplex. The Pirates had some chances early in the game, but as it progressed the Renegades kept VC off balance offensively. Ventura totaled 11 shots on the night but could not find the target.
After BC produced an early chance, the Pirates came right back and received a deep left to right cross from Crystal Vargas, but no one was there for the redirect. In the 15th minute Elizabeth Mika took the ball down the field and found Vargas on the right side, but the shot sailed just over the crossbar. Later, in the 27th minute, Vargas had a brilliant right to left cross that was met by Jessica Aguilar, but her redirect sailed high, as well. The teams went into halftime in a scoreless tie.
Bakersfield snuck in a goal seven minute into the second half for a 1-0 lead, and they were able to keep the Pirates off balance for the remainder of the contest to claim the win.
Aguilar, Vargas and Emily Ramirez all had a pair of shots for Ventura, but none were able to find the net. Goalie Sibella Donnelly had one save as VC tasted defeat for just the second time and the first in four weeks, ending a streak of seven unbeaten games.
The Pirates begin Western State Conference play on Tuesday Sept. 26 with a road contest at Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 pm.