Corsair Women's Soccer Holds Strong in Thrilling Stalemate Against the Lancers
By Cebelihle Hlatshwayo | Staff Writer
The Corsairs’ women’s soccer team made an emphatic statement in their first home game of the season
The Corsairs’ women’s soccer team made an emphatic statement in their first home game of the season, facing off against the undefeated Pasadena City College Lancers on Friday afternoon.
Coming back from a tough 3-2 loss to El Camino, SMC not only showed that they should not be underestimated, but also left a not-so-subtle reminder that their home turf is no place for any team to show off.
In the first half, the Lancers showed just why they were undefeated, with their freshman goalie, Natalia Portillo, proving herself to be the backbone of their defense. Despite seven vigorous offensive attempts from Corsair midfielders Breanne Maldonado, Alicia Edberg, and Alanis Rodriguez, the ball found no entry past the determined goalkeeper. Nevertheless, the Corsairs showed no sign of giving up, with captain Bella Velazco crediting the team’s level-headedness.
The pattern continued throughout the second half, with the Corsairs struggling to connect passes, hindering their goal output. However, the hosts did not let up in the second half. The Corsairs’ vigorous defense, anchored by Izzy Turner, Velazco, and Roz Tauvaa, foiled all five of the Lancers’ attempts to breach their defensive line. Frustration on the Lancers’ side resulted in two yellow cards during the second half, underscoring the Corsairs’ composed demeanor.
“I expected it to be a challenging game,” said Corsair assistant coach Keola Parades. “We did a scout on them, and they were undefeated coming into the season. They had a couple of very good individual players that, you know, we were paying attention to. I thought we did a good job of neutralizing those players and making sure they didn’t have too much impact on us.”
The game ended with heightened tension, nevertheless, it served as a testament to the commitment and passion of both teams, making it an enthralling spectacle for avid supporters.
Head Coach Aaron Benditson expressed pride in the girls’ performance, highlighting their first clean sheet of the season and their commendable defensive effort.
Turner reflected, “I felt like this game was really good for me. I’ve been working on the clearances of my balls coming in, and I think I executed that well. I’m also really happy that we got a clean sheet and no goals against.”
Despite ending in a 0-0 draw, the Corsairs left no doubt that they are a force to be reckoned with this season, showcasing their unwavering spirit and determination. With a newfound focus on maintaining a clean sheet, they have set a strong foundation for the games, leaving their opponents with a clear message – the Corsairs are here to compete at the highest level.
