Pirates, Raiders Fit to Be Tied

In a scoreless draw that had no shortage of exciting moments, the Ventura College women's soccer team tied visiting Moorpark Friday evening at the VC Sportsplex.  The teams, who entered the contest tied atop the standings in the Western State Conference North Division, combined for 31 shots, 16 of which were on goal.  Pirate goal keeper Evanessa Vasquez had eight saves in keeping the Raiders scoreless in the match. 

The Raiders were on the offensive early in the match, and VC (9-4-1, 3-0-1) withstood the early flurry of shots and corner kicks.  

The Pirates got their first real chance in the 14th minute when Jennifer Orozco hit a cross from the right side that was settled by Janelle Garcia in the box.  Her shot was blocked before it reached the goal.

In the 28th minute, the Pirates had one of their best chances on the night.  Valeria Ramirez hit a through ball to Janelle, who hit a chip shot over the charging Moorpark goalie.  The ball gently bounced toward the open net before it was kicked out by another Raider defender just inches away from the goal line.

Five minutes later, Janelle sent a pass to Ramirez, who hit a centering pass to Michelle Rios.  Once again the MC defense kicked the ball out ending the threat.  A minute later Janelle hit a shot low from the left side that hit the outside of the goal.  

Moorpark had no shortage of solid chances in the second half, as well, and Vasquez was up for the challenge. in the 68th minute she punched away a Raider corner kick, and three minutes later when a Moorpark shot hit the crossbar, she smothered the rebound.

In the 64th minute, Melissa Cardenas hit a free kick from 40 yards out into the box, but it was cleared by the defense.  In the 81st Megan Henderson was taken down just outside the penalty box straight on the goal, and Cardenas hit a free kick low, hitting the goal and bouncing wide.

The Pirates' last best chance to break the tie came in the 86th minute when Henderson, fighting for possession with a Moorpark defender, sent a rocket to the goal from 40 yards out.  the ball was punched over the crossbar by the MC keeper, preserving the scoreless tie.

The Pirates, who remain in a first place tie with Moorpark, will finish the first round of conference play Tuesday Oct. 25 at Oxnard.  Kickoff against the Condors is scheduled for 2:00 pm. Ventura returns home on Friday Oct. 28 against Cuesta for a 6:00 pm match.