The City College women’s soccer team fell from its No. 1 spot in the Western State Conference standings with a 3-1 loss against Ventura College, on Thursday, Nov. 7, at La Playa Stadium.
Three weeks ago, the Vaqueros shut out the Ventura Pirates 3-0. Team captain, Brandie Harris (No. 2) said the team went into Thursday’s game with an overconfident mind-set.
“I think we just thought it was going to be handed to us and that’s not what happens obviously,” said Harris.
As the first half started, both teams struggled back and forth to find consistent possession of the ball.
Three minutes into the game, a Ventura forward unleashed a shot on City College, but freshman defender Emilie Netteberg (No. 20) made a head-butting save.
Along with Netteberg, the entire Vaquero defense held their own against multiple rapid-fire shots by the Pirates.
Harris made two attempts on the goal but was called offsides for one and overshot the second.
Harris holds the No. 1 scoring position in Southern California with a total of 26 goals this season. The Pirates compact defense kept on eye on her and made sure to override her scoring attempts.
After a scoreless first half, the Pirates made a goal off a corner kick to bring the score to 1-0.
The goal hit a nerve with the Vaqueros.
Harris hustled up the field to make a shot. The ball rebounded and Jackie Holmer (No. 8) put the ball in the back of the Pirates net to bring in the first and only goal for City College, leaving the score tied, 1-1.
The Pirates came back with another corner kick and the ball easily found its way into the Vaqueros net making the score 2-1.
As the crowd grew weary, so did the Vaquero squad.
The Pirates fired in a 40-yard goal, which grazed the fingertips of goalkeeper, Brianna Robinson (No. 1), bringing the score to a final place of 3-1.
Holmer said the team was nervous and caught in the heat of the moment against the rival school.
“We were kicking the ball away in a panic,” she said. “We weren’t connecting our passes.”
With one game left before the conference play ends and playoffs on the horizon, head coach John Sisterson said the girls have to work on one key element before the next match.
“We need to get back to passing the ball as a unit and working as a unit again,” said Sisterson. “If you start doing things as individuals, you’re not going to win games.”
Briana Lopez (No. 21), forward, said the only thing to do now is regroup.
“We want to keep our heads up; focus on the next game and wish for the best,” said Lopez.
The Vaqueros (11-5-2 overall, 7-2-2 conference) will play their final home game at 2 p.m. Nov. 15, against Allan Hancock College.
