Number two in Southern California, VC moves on to the second round of the CCCAA Regional Playoffs after a 2-1 win on a last second rebound goal after a missed penalty kick.
During the extra time, VC turned into a determined team. Looking at a score of 1-1 with seconds left on the official’s watch, San Diego Mesa made a critical foul inside the penalty box.
After the ball was deflected on the penalty kick, midfielder Taylor Steele brought it upon herself to make sure her team moved on to the next round putting the ball in the back of the net winning it for VC 2-1.
The final seconds ticked away and VC began to celebrate, Yadira Toraya was ecstatic about her team’s victory after scoring the first goal of the game.
“I think we worked really hard, we worked the best we could. We worked hard and backed each other up, especially at the end,” said Toraya
VC’s play midfield was solid as was San Diego’s, steadily playing back-and-forth the intensity was so thick you could cut it with a knife, as well as the cold tampering with the otherwise usual stellar play by VC.
The first signs of relief came for VC on the foot of Yadira Toraya when she scored the first goal for VC at the 82nd minute.
Assistant coach Steve Monka talked after the game about his team’s tense play
“The overall game back and forth, it could have been anyone’s game from the very start,” said Monka on the intense play from the first half. “I knew that if we would collect and settle and play ourselves, we would of come out on top. We had our chances; we just didn’t finish them off those plays.”
Head coach of VC Steve Hoffman has had a storied career with Ventura, winning six WSC Coach of the year awards and taking the last 13 of 15 WSC titles in Women’s Soccer.
The close game between VC and San Diego Mesa wasn’t a new struggle to the seasoned veteran, explaining his expectations for his team.
“It was what I expected. The Pacific Coast Conference is a tough conference. No easy games for Sand Diego teams,” Said Hoffman. “They don’t get the credit that they deserve, so we kind of felt the game would go the way it went, it was very close, and, you know, a mistake or two. I think our first goal was very good.”
The number two Pirates host number seven Santa Barbra City College on Tuesday Nov.23, Ventura Defeated SB twice this year, winning both games 2-0.
VC winning moves them on to the third round of CCCAA playoffs, putting them one step closer to the CCCAA State Championship.
