Moorpark College, (6-1-5) overall and (3-0-1) in conference, handily defeated Oxnard College, 4-1, in a nonconference game at the Raiders Pitch early Friday afternoon.
The Lady Raiders had a 4-0 shutout in the bag with just five minutes left in the game, when a defensive lapse allowed the Lady Condors to grab a consolation goal.
“They came out hard against us, but once we settled in, we were pretty good on the ball,” Head Coach Miguel Ruiz said. “All-in-all, it was a good game for us and we scored some goals. We have to keep working hard and get ready for Tuesday’s [rematch].”
Confident with either foot, Breanna Pilkington scored two long-range goals, both efforts from outside the 18 yard box. The first one, halfway through the first half, was a low left footed shot that flew past Oxnard’s goalkeeper into the net.
“We did well offensively and had the one-two going,” Pilkington said. “We held the ball and played in Oxnard’s half for much of the game.”
Demonstrating her physical dexterity, Pilkington struck again in the middle of the second half, scoring this time, with her right foot.
“To be honest, we weren’t connecting in the first ten minutes,” sophomore midfielder Angela Hurtado said. “In the second half, we stuck to the game plan and almost got the shutout.”
Freshman Kelsey Escobar added Moorpark’s second goal late in the first half and Madison Murray completed the scoring for the Raiders with about 10 minutes left in the game.
“The ball ricocheted off someon, and I was [left] one on one when I shot,” Murray said, describing her goal. “We picked the game up in the second half and passed the ball around, making them run.”
The Raiders connected on several passes at one stage and dominated possession more than they have in any previous game, especially in the second half.
“Oxnard started out very physical and surprised Moorpark, but Moorpark started getting [its act together] and took control,” said Bob Stevens, the proud grandfather of Raiders goalkeeper Tayler Hogue. “Some of the girls [who] don’t get to play too often got some playing time today.”
When Allan Hancock College cancelled its women’s soccer program earlier this season, Friday’s nonconference game between the Raiders and Condors was arranged instead.
“Between Madi Murray, Breanna Pilkington and Kelsey Escobar, our forward line has done a tremendous job for us,” Ruiz concluded. “They’re scoring a lot of goals.”
In a rematch of Friday’s contest, Moorpark and Oxnard meet again on Tuesday afternoon in a scheduled conference game at the Raiders Pitch. Kickoff time is 4 p.m.
