Scoring Woes Hurting PCC Women's Soccer

When the Pasadena City College women's soccer team exploded for seven goals in one half in a victory over Victor Valley on Sept. 7, it showed that the Lancers have the ability to score at a moment's notice. But other than that 8-0 win, PCC has been held scoreless in its other five games--all defeats.

Orange Coast College, the state's No. 16-ranked team, handed the Lancers yet another shutout loss, 4-0, on Tuesday at Robinson Stadium. The Pirates outshot the Lancers, 31-5, and 16-2 in shots directly on goal. Lilly Carroll scored a natural hat trick--three goals in succession--for OCC (4-2-1). Eden Makaafi took a cross from McKenzie Keasbury and scored on a 5-yard attempt in the fifth minute that gave the Pirates a 1-0 lead, one they built on throughout the contest. 

"We're struggling on being on the same page as a team," said first-year PCC head coach Terryn Soelberg. "We ended up defending all game because we weren't patient going forward. We need to work on our transition from offense to defense. We are our biggest enemy right now, not the other teams."

The Lancers who did play well v. Orange Coast was a short list as Soelberg cited defender Angie Alvarado, who blocked a few shots and frequently made plays in front of the Lancers goal, as one of the few who stood out in a good way. Reserve goalie Jesua Garcia, who played the second half only, made six saves and allowed just one score. She twice made diving stops.

Soelberg talked about players who are important to the team's potential going forward. 

"It's super helpful to have Jacky (Jaqueline Gonzalez) and Em (Emelyn Meza) with us as two returning starters from 2019 as they know the mental toughness needed to play a full 90 minutes at this level. When not injured, Bertha Guzman does a great job in bringing some skill off the bench."

In the final minute of the first half, PCC had its best scoring chance, but Arielle Stickar, on a quick sprint with the ball, sent a hard roller from the right side of the box that just missed the left corner post. 

On Friday, Sept. 17, things don't get any easier for the Lancers (1-5 record) as they travel to face #15-ranked Los Angeles Valley College (2-2-1). Kickoff is 2 p.m.

Note: PCC home games will start being shown via Facebook Live at the following page: https://www.facebook.com/PCC-Womens-Soccer-Team-101897485583849

Check our Twitter at @PCCAthletics for updates of future live stream games and game updates.