Tough Times For Women's Soccer
The first trip through the South Coast Conference North Division was as rough as it could get for the Pasadena City College women's soccer team. The Lancers fell to 0-4 in conference play following a disappointing 3-0 loss to previously winless East Los Angeles, 3-0, Friday afternoon at Robinson Stadium.
The Lancers (2-7-3 overall) have not scored in their last five games and totaled just 10 goals in 12 games this season. The Huskies (1-8-2 overall) scored all three of their goals in the second half, including what proved to be the game winner in the 50th minute by the first of two scores from Crystal Romero.
While PCC's offense has struggled, the team has received stretches of strong play in the middle of the field and in the defensive end by Emily Matthiesen, Janel Ismail, Christina Diaz, Aisling O'Beirne, Chloe Twitchell, and Summer Hofsted.
"We're trying different things, including moving players into different positions," said PCC head coach Reggie Rivas. "Offensively, it's been a head scratcher. When we've had some real good scoring chances, we just can't finish. Other times, the opposing goalie has come up with a big save. Bottom line is we are in the toughest conference in the state. If we don't play an A game and we don't score, the afternoons will get longer."
In the 68th minute, Matthiesen took a free kick from the 15-yard line that was targeted toward the upper middle of the goal, but ELAC goalie Penelope Roman made a leaping tip away for the save. The Huskies had the majority of scoring chances, however, outshooting the Lancers, 17-8.
Goalie Amy Castillo made six saves for the Lancers. PCC is playing without goalie/forward Isabel Diaz, who is out with an undisclosed injury suffered in a 4-0 loss at Rio Hondo on Tuesday.
On Friday, Oct. 14, the Lancers next host LA Harbor in a SCC crossover match. Game time is 2 p.m. at Robinson Stadium.
[Photo--Lancer Emily Matthiesen battles for the ball with an East Los Angeles player Friday at PCC, image by Richard Quinton.]