Women's Soccer Keeps Undefeated String With Late Goal

The high-scoring and #15-state rated Pasadena City College women's soccer team had plenty of scoring chances v. visiting Allan Hancock on Friday, but unlike previous games it seemed like nothing would go in. Finally with less than nine minutes left, the Lancers hit payturf when Ashley Rivera knocked in a rebound off a free kick by Katy Coats for a 1-1 tie at Robinson Stadium.

PCC was fouled and received a free kick opportunity at the 16-yard line. Hancock goalie Brooke Stewart blocked away a hard liner struck by Coats but Rivera was in the right spot and she cradled the rebound and fired a high shot into the net for the only Lancers goal. Both Coats and Kaily Echeverria saw their 4-game goal scoring streaks end.

The Lancers saw a 4-match win streak stopped as well but remain undefeated at 4-0-1. Hancock is 1-2-3 but were able to frustrate the Lancers with strong play by Stewart (eight saves) and sweeper Jennifer Perez, who made some big breakups and defensive kickouts in front of the Bulldogs goal. AHC took a 1-0 lead in the 12th minute when Lisette Calderon received a header flick off a high lead pass and fired a goal past PCC netminder Alyssa Holt.

Coats nearly tied it in the 13th minute but her shot from the 8-yard line hit in the inside far post and kicked out. In the 38th minute, Sophia Noriega was stoned by Stewart from close range. Then right before halftime, Jillian DeMasi sent a drive from the 17-yard line but Stewart tipped it away at the last second.

In the 52nd minute, Holt had her biggest save as she made a leaping grab on a shot by Elizabeth Aldana from the 15. The Lancers nearly tied it in the 66th minute when Noriega took off on a breakway was able to cut left around Stewart but missed the open net just wide by inches of the left post. 

Next up for PCC is a 6 p.m. evening kickoff at Antelope Valley College on Tuesday, Sept. 17.