Second-Half Surge Leads Women's Soccer Past Cerritos

After scoring just one goal in three previous games, the state #3 Pasadena City College women's soccer found itself in urgency mode tied 1-1 v. Cerritos in the second half of their South Coast Conference game on Friday. PCC responded on a Raylyn Laney goal in the 69th minute, then scored two more in a minute span late to register a 4-1 victory at Robinson Stadium.

The Lancers (9-1-1 overall, 1-1 in SCC play) once again had a big game from team captain and top scorer Charlie Gallardo, who had her footprints on three of the team's goals.

Nine minutes into the contest, Gallardo ripped a 15-yard blast for a goal, assisted by Isabela Guerrero. 

Cerritos (1-7-4, 0-2) managed just one shot all game and it made it count when Ariana Rivera took a cross in the box from Madi Jones and lifted a shot past PCC netminder Natalia Portillo that tied it at 1-1 seven minutes into the second half. 

With 21 minutes left, Rachel Mentaze sent a long pass to a hustling Laney, who got underneath the Falcons defense to score what proved to be the game-winning goal.

In the 86th minute, Gallardo turned a corner kick into a set play as she sent a perfect pass that allowed Delilah Vazquez to one-time a drive from the 15-yard line into the upper net for a 3-1 advantage.

A minute after that, Ashley Vera fed Gallardo, who fired a low, but hard attempt from the 20-yard line for her second of the game and seventh of the season. The talenteed sophomore midfielder moved to a tie with Sandra Ambrosio (2015-16) for #16 on the PCC All-Time Scoring List. Gallardo is at 17 goals and nine assists for 43 points. 

"I was proud of our ability to respond to their strike with three of our own," said PCC head coach Terryn Soelberg. "It was a crucial time and we stepped up to the challenge."

Soelberg has been impressed by her freshmen trio of Laney, Mentaze, and Monique Arcieniega, who have all been a regular part of the team's mostly sophomore lineup. 

PCC stands #2 in state power points (2.65 per game) and Mt. San Antonio, which beat the Lancers on Tuesday, is #3 (2.50). Orange Empire Conference leader Cypress top the state at 2.92 as it is on its way to a possible #1 region seed.

The Lancers next plays at Rio Hondo on Tuesday, Oct. 15 in a 4 p.m. conference kickoff. 

Laney battles for the ball