In a physical game that displayed stellar defense from both squads, the women’s soccer team defeated Mt. SAC 1-0 Tuesday.
With the victory the Warriors are now 7-4-1 overall and 4-2 in the South Coast Conference.
The team will have a short week off from competition, but will resume action Tuesday against Pasadena City in Robinson Stadium at 3 p.m.
“We have to pick it up a notch for next game,” coach John Britton said. “Pasadena came here and beat us 2-0; hopefully we can return the favor.”
In Tuesday’s game against Mt. SAC, the Warriors got on the scoreboard nine minutes into the game when freshman Kristin Fleming notched her second goal of the season.
“When we scored the first goal at the ninth minute, it gave us the upper hand the entire game,” captain Darcy Hubbard said.
Indeed it did; both teams traded scoring opportunities in the first-half, but near the end, Mt. SAC seemed to be more energetic.
“We played really hard,” Britton said. “Obviously, were pleased with the results, but they kind of dominated the second half.”
Clearly, the second half belonged to Mt. SAC as it kept the Warriors’ defense on its heels with its aggressive tactics, but the as expected Warriors were up to the challenge.
“It was very intense, a good win,” assistant coach Mary Jo Soffel said. “They came out hard the second half, and we stepped up and played a bit more defense.”
The defense was outstanding once again, but freshman goalkeeper Shawna Alyea played even better with terrific saves, a few of them coming off breakaways.
“Shawna played brilliantly,” Britton said. “She came up with some quality saves that literally saved the game for us.”
The soccer team is starting to click, evident by the four-game winning streak in which it has outscored its opponents 9-0 in those contests.
One of the most recent victims was East L.A., who was easily defeated 3-0 Friday at Murdock Stadium.
The Warriors scored all their goals in the first half, mercilessly attacking the East L.A. goalie with good ball movement.
“The women played well the first half,” Britton said. “They kept possession, and Melissa McKenzie came through, scoring two excellent goals.”
The Warriors never felt threatened by East L.A., and with the game secured, they took it easy in the second half.
“We let up a little bit,” Soffel said. “partly confident and partly cautious to make sure we didn’t get hurt on a silly foul.”
Britton was satisfied with the outcome, but still believes his team needs to work on shooting the ball a bit more.
“We’re still not happy,” Britton said. “With the chances we’re creating, and having a good shot on goal, we’re not taking them.”
East L.A. coach Shannon Lambert shared these comments about the women’s soccer team after her team was defeated.
“I think the (Warriors) are probably the fourth strongest team in the conference,” Lambert said. “They have some athletes, and the defense I thought was stronger than the offense.”
The Warriors will have a well- deserved short break to rest some nagging injuries and to prepared themselves mentally for very determined Pasadena City College team.
“The last time we played Pasadena, it was close; they got two goals but the play on the field was very even,” Soffel said.
“So knowing that if we beat (Pasadena), it can jump us up in the conference, and that will motivate the women,” he added.
