The Moorpark College women’s soccer team clinched the Western State Conference title in a battle against Ventura College Friday, scoring on a desperation header in the winding seconds to end the game in a draw.
An up and down game came to an unusual end when Raider forward Kendall Dreyer was able to get her head on the ball and hit it into the back of the net.
The Raiders (13-0-4, 8-0-2 WSC) aggressive attack as stoppage time winded down set up Dreyer for the header off a corner kick, with virtually no time remaining.
The tie game was enough for the unbeaten Raiders to clinch the Western State Conference championship with two games left in the regular season.
The Pirates (14-4, 6-2 WSC) opened up the game quickly with a goal from Jazmarae Strozier in the 5th minute off a corner kick. The Pirates were the early aggressors, but momentum shifted back and forth throughout the game.
Dreyer tied the game in the 32nd minute with a strike after the ball was deflected off of several players. The Raiders seemed poised to take control of the game, pushing the ball for most of the first half.
However, the Pirates were able to heat up on offense, and scored in the 37th minute when forward Monique Orocio headed in a goal off a corner kick.
The second half was up and down, as both teams controlled the ball for long stretches. Down 2-1 for most of the second half, the Raiders were able to get a couple of shots on goal but failed to score.
Seemingly out of time, the Raiders made one last push to score, attacking with all their players. Even the goalkeeper was hovering around midfield.
The applied pressure got the Raiders a corner kick and one last chance to score. The ball flew into a crowded box where Dreyer somehow got her head on the ball and drove it into the back of the net.
Dreyer’s second goal, the all-important equalizer, sent the Raiders team into frenzy and brought upon a disheartening look amongst the Pirates.
The Raiders bench cleared in celebration, and for good reason, with the tie disguised as a victory, sealing a second conference title in three years.
