Women's Soccer SCC Opener Not Indicative Of Score v. State #7 Rio Hondo

One glance at the box score of the South Coast Conference opener between the Pasadena City College women's soccer team and state #7-ranked Rio Hondo College would give a person the impression the Lancers were wiped out by the visiting Roadrunners on Tuesday.

But for those few that watched (no spectactors still at PCC home games) at Robinson Stadium, the Lancers' defense limited Rio Hondo's opportunities, keeping the score just 1-0 by halftime. When Devin Zamora managed to get around Rio Hondo's goalie on a breakaway goal in the 62nd minute, Rio Hondo led only 2-1. That's when the field tilted in RHC's favor as the Roadrunners caught the Lancers flatfooted to score four unanswered goals in a 17-minute span in a 6-1 victory. 

PCC dropped to 3-8 overall while Rio Hondo upped their sparkling record to 7-1. Alexis Macias scored three goals and Serenity Zamora two for the Roadrunners, a leading contender in the SCC this season.

"I don't think the score accurately reflected the game," said an upbeat Lancers head coach Terryn Soelberg. "Late in the game, we tried a few offside traps that didn't work so they were able to get behind us (for goal chances). I'm proud of how organized we played. It was a new system for us, but the girls adjusted and played well overall."

Rio Hondo started to send long balls as PCC took some chances on defense in an effort to create some offense the other direction. In the 68th minute, RHC's Brianna Revelez booted a 30-yard drive that left teammate Jackie Marin all alone on PCC goalie Stevie Mancillas as she netted a short shot for a 3-1 lead. Three of Rio Hondo's scores followed long balls to open forwards. 

Mancillas made eight saves overall. Defenders Avery Romero and Gabby Morales were a few Lancers that broke up a number of plays for Rio Hondo in front of Mancillas. Bertha Guzman assisted on Zamora's goal. 

On Friday, Oct. 8, the Lancers travel to face Long Beach City College in a 1 p.m. conference game.