Women's Soccer Closes Out Rough Season

A difficult season for the Pasadena City College women's soccer team came to a close Thursday when Long Beach City College defeated the visiting Lancers, 2-0. It was the 12th time in 2016 that PCC was left off the scoreboard.

The Lancers (3-14-4) prevented a point-less South Coast Conference North Division season by earning a 1-1 tie against host East Los Angeles on Tuesday. In that game, Isabel Diaz scored her team-leading eighth goal. PCC ended 0-7-1 in divisional play. 

On Nov. 4 in the team's home finale, PCC broke a streak of six games without a goal in SCC North play in a 7-2 loss against Rio Hondo. Diaz scored a goal and assisted on a score by Alexis Acosta. Toni Dwyer picked up an assist on Diaz's goal.

The Lancers were able to play several close games during the year thanks to the defensive play of such players as Emily Matthiesen, Chloe Twitchell, Aisling O'Beirne, and sophomore Juliana Gurule. Besides Diaz team-leading 20 points (including four assists), sophomore midfielder Sandra Ambrosio had six goals and four assists for 16 points. 

"We've already had some success in recruiting for 2017," said PCC head coach Reggie Rivas, who finished his fourth season in charge of the program. "Our greatest fear was realized during conference play because we were limited on offense. We played against some great playoff-type teams in Rio Hondo, Chaffey, and Mt. San Antonio and twice in conference and it took its toll. My coaching staff and I are committed to bringing us up to speed with these top teams next year."

[Photo--Isabel Diaz was one of the brightspots for PCC women's soccer this season, image by Richard Quinton.]