It was only a matter of time before the Moorpark College Raiders’ offensive prowess would pay off as they took 23 shots on goal, defeating Cuesta College 3-0 Tuesday afternoon after a slow start.

The Raiders (13-0-3, 8-0-1 Western State Conference) completely dominated the game, holding the Cougars (5-10-3, 4-4-1 Western State Conference) to an astonishing two shots on goal, but kept the game close because they could not find a way to score.

The Raiders controlled the ball the majority of the game, and were able to stop the Cougars everytime they passed midfield, but could not capitalize offensively.

Sinead Vaughn gave Leanna Aceves a great outlet pass, opening up a one-on-one shot 14 minutes in, but Aceves could not punch it in. Vaughn had another great pass moments later to No. 2, but her shot went wide right.

After so many missed opportunities to score, the Raiders were able to knock one in after forward Lindsay McClellan was able to beat the Cougar goalie to the ball, kicking a soft liner that trailed toward the net with 4:26 left in the first half.

Raider head coach Eric Privot acknowledged the fact his team struggled to take control of the game early, but believed that their ability to keep playing hard and never give up helped them eventually overpower the Cougars.

“Our girls showed incredible force of character,” he said. “The desire to succeed in the end paid off.”

The Raiders’ desire to succeed showed in the second half, when Kendall Dreyer scored two goals in the final twelve minutes to push the lead to 3-0.

Despite the Raiders’ inability to score and change the complexion of a game they were clearly dominating, Privot is confident his team will play hard in their biggest game of the season this Friday at Ventura College, and play to win.

“We got to go there to win,” Privat said. “I believe our talent and our speed will make a difference in the end.”

Each team controls their own destiny heading into Friday’s match-up, with a victory guaranteeing a WSC title.