3 minute read
Soccer squad remains unbeaten
Brahmas defeat long-time nemesis in defensive showdown
Dan Cromar / Roundup
It took ten years.
In the women’s soccer team’s ten years of existence, they had never beaten Long Beach City College. They had met five times, and each time the Vikings came out on top.
That changed on Friday.
The Brahmas ended non-conference play with a 1-0 win over Long Beach, recoring their fourth consecutive shutout and improving to 6-0-1.
“It felt really good…for all the previous [teams, doing it for them,” said sophomore forward Erica Vangsness, whose assist lead to the only goal.
“It’s awesome,” said head coach Adolfo Perez of the win. “I felt like there was something phantom or something.”
The gamer remained scoreless until freshman midfielder Jessica Gonzalez scored on a cross from Vangsness in the 63rd minute, putting the Brahmas up for good.
This was the first time in four games that Vangsness did not have a goal, and only the second time all season.
Both goalkeepers were kept busy all game, as each team continued to make scoring opportunities for themselves.
Pierce keeper Marissa Graska ended the day with three saves, bringing her total on the year to 19, and lowering her goal allowed average to .1579.
“[Graska] is one of the best keepers I’ve ever seen,” said Vangsness. “She’s just an awesome person, she has so much raw talent, it’s unbelievable. I’m really glad we have her on our team.”
“We have great communication in the back,” said Graska of her defense. “Jenn [Veneges] does a phenomenal job of keeping the ball out of there. Same with my two wings and my stoppers.”
The defense had a different look for the game, as sophomore Nicole Jovel, who recently returned from injury, played in the back instead of at forward.
“Nicole’s a much better defender than she is a forward,” said Graska. “She knows defense like the back of her hand."
The move was made in an attempt to neutralize the Vikings quick forwards.
“She did so well, I don’t know,” said Perez with a laugh, when asked about whether the move might be made permanent.
The Brahmas are still awaiting the return of midfielder Daisy Alverenga, who has not played since the second game of the season.
Perez is hopeful that she will return for the conference opener against College of the Canyons (which was played yesterday and not available at press time) but nothing is definite.
“As soon as we get Daisy back, we’ll be full force and be taking people down,” said Vangsness. “We’re gonna be amazing.”
