Valley Women's Soccer Loses its First Game Falling to Oxnard College 3-1

The Condors Outpaced The Monarchs in the Second Half Giving the Visiting Team the Win

By: JC Rosa, Assistant Sports Editor 

After coming out of halftime with a 1-0 lead over Oxnard College, the Valley College women’s soccer team lacked energy, allowing three goals in the second half and dropping their first game of the season, 3-1.

In the first seven minutes of the second half, the Monarchs watched the Condors score on two defensive miscues and solid offensive execution by the visitors. Their first goal came in the 47 minute when Condor midfielder Jennifer Rojas weaved through Vallley’s defenders, knotting the game at one goal a piece. 

Five minutes later, in the 52 minute, a miscommunication on defense allowed Oxnard to score when midfielder Anahi Nieto stole the ball for an easy shot, giving the Condors a 2-1 lead. 

“The first two goals were definitely preventable,” said Valley’s defensive capitan Kiele Torrance. “We need to keep the energy up in the second half, we can’t let up.”

The Condors capitalized on their second half momentum once again as they worked the ball up the pitch to midfielder Kaylyn Lopez who scored to extend their lead to 3-1.

The Monarch’s struck first as a defender, Samantha Valencia scored a screamer from about 40 yards out from a free kick in the 37 minute of the game. Her goal would give Valley the lead heading into half time, but it was the last goal of the game for the Monarchs. 

 “They were the strongest team we’ve played so far this season,“ said Valley’s head coach Jonathan Hoarst. “This was a good test for us.”

The Monarchs will host Allan Hancock Sept. 20 at 4 p.m.