By Wes McCurtis

CYPRESS, CA – The Cypress College women's soccer team (4-3, 3-0 OEC) extended their win streak to four games with a tough fought victory at home over Saddleback (3-3-1, 0-3 OEC) on Tuesday, 2-1. It is the Chargers' first victory over Saddleback since the 2014 season.

These two teams have come to expect physical match-ups, Tuesday was no different, as both teams continued to attack the ball fearlessly throughout.

The Gauchos opened up the scoring early with an unassisted goal from Samantha Belmonte (17:46). However, Cypress answered quickly with an equalizer from sophomore Kristin Avila (19:15). Avila found the back of the net after gathering control in the box on a rebound off of a Gaucho defender. Both teams struggled to maintain possession and get clean looks at goal for the remainder of the half, resulting in a 1-1 tie at the break.

The Chargers capitalized on a great run by Margaret Zisk, who assisted on an Erica Tobias goal (62:02) to take the lead. Physical play continued in the second half, resulting in a Tobias ejection (65:36). Cypress' defense held strong and did not allow Saddleback to capitalize on a one player advantage for the remainder of the half to seize the 2-1 victory.

The Cypress victory gives them sole possession of first place in the OEC heading into Friday's road game against Santiago Canyon. Kick-off is scheduled for 3:00 pm.

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