Mt. SAC Stops Women's Soccer 9-Game Undefeated Streak

In unfamiliar territory as a favorite going into its South Coast Conference opener v. long-time nemesis Mt. San Antonio College, the state #3-ranked Pasadena City College women's soccer team couldn't meet the challenge as the host Lancers lost for the first time this season, 3-0, on Tuesday afternoon.

PCC (8-1-1) not only had its 9-match undefeated streak broken, but also lost its South Coast Conference opener. Mt. SAC (5-4-3) was rated #11 in the State Top 20 and played nearly flawless soccer in blanking the Lancers. It was the Mounties' fourth straight win at Robinson Stadium dating back to 2018. 

It was also a bit of a revenge contest for Mt. SAC, a team that the Lancers upset on the road in last year's SoCal Regional Playoffs. 

In the 23rd minute, Michelle Vazquez scored after a send-in from Ashley Shaughnessy to put PCC behind, 1-0. This came after three other high-end scoring chances by Mt. San Antonio, including a diving save by Lancers goalkeeper Francesca Agliolo.

In the 53rd minute, PCC had a chance to tie it, but Charlie Gallardo's drive from the 10-yard line was stopped by Mounties goalie Anai Olmedo. Just four minutes later, Noely Rodriguez ripped a blast from the 10-yard line into the upper corner of the net to give Mt. SAC a 2-0 lead. Shaughnessy put the game away on a goal with 25 minutes remaining.

Pasadena was outshot, 17-10, as Agliolo made six saves and backup Layla Hoyo tallied one stop (played last 22 minutes). Olmedo wasn't tested much over the 90 minutes and finished with five saves.

"Obviously it's tough to lose and even harder when we didn't perform to our potential," said a disappointed PCC head coach Terryn Soelberg. "We're hoping to move forward from this setback and get back to our style of play."

PCC was leading the state in power points prior to the contest, but have now dropped to #2 (2.69 rating) behind state #1-ranked Cypress (2.74) while Mt. SAC is now at #4 in the ratings system that ultimately determines regional playoff seedings. 

The Lancers next host Cerritos on Friday, Oct. 11 in a 1:30 p.m. SCC game at Robinson Stadium.