by Robert Nilsen
CYPRESS, CA – The Cypress College women's soccer team (13-2-6, 10-1-5 OEC) fell to Santiago Canyon College (19-0-1, 15-0-1 OEC) 2-0 on Friday at home in their final regular season game of the year. Despite the loss, the Chargers' 15 game unbeaten streak propeled them to a 2nd place finish in a tough Orange Empire Conference.
Santiago began the game quickly by scoring the opening goal through forward Lauren Sabella in the first minute of the game to put the Chargers down 1-0. Following the goal the Chargers and Santiago spent a lot of time in the midfield trying to build possession in order to create scoring opportunities. At around the half hour mark Chargers midfielder Julissa Zuniga had the best opportunity, but her shot was headed just wide of the near post. Three minutes later Chargers midfielder Cynthia Iniguez had an opportunity to score, but her shot went wide of the post. Santiago also had some scoring opportunities but they were unable to add to their lead and went into halftime up 1-0.
The Chargers came out in the second half pushing forward to find an equalizer. The Chargers best opportunity came in the 75th minute from a free kick by defender Kelsea Freiling. Freiling hit a ball that curled towards the far post, but Santiago goalie Siera Pedroza made a great save to keep the ball from going into the net. The Chargers were unable to generate any more good scoring opportunities and Santiago added an extra time goal off of a late corner kick through Alondra Guzman to win the game 2-0.
The SoCal Regional playoffs begin Saturday, November 19 with time and opponent TBD.
Stay connected with the Chargers through social media. Follow Cypress College Athletics on Twitter @CypressChargers. Check in with the Chargers on Facebook/CypressChargers and on Instagram @CypressChargers.
