Pirates and Roadrunners Battle to 0-0 Draw

The Ventura College women's soccer team battled visiting Rio Hondo to a 0-0 draw Tuesday night at the Sportsplex. Aracely Castro had six saves in goal, recording her third shutout in four games played this season. Sammy Zanini and Aleesa Ramirez helped anchor the Pirate defense that has allowed just two goals in five games played. Ventura (3-0-2) is unbeaten in its five games for the first time in at least a decade.

Scoring chances were few and far between for both teams during the opening half. The Pirates' best chance came in the 25th minute when a centering pass by Jasmin Ambriz from the right side was taken by the RHC goalie, turning back the VC threat.

The offense picked up early in the second half when Rio Hondo sailed a free kick above the crossbar from 25-yards out in the 50th minute. Ambriz produced the Pirates' best chance 10 minutes later when she beat the RHC goalie 1-on-1 but was unable to get to the free ball in front of the net before a recovering defender cleared the threat.

In the 66th minute, Marili Magana had a through ball to Ambriz, whose shot was saved. Moments later, Jacky Espinosa sent a pass over the top left to right to Isabella DeRosa, who slotted a shot wide across the goal.  Finally, Ambriz had another shot in the final minute of play, but it, too, was stopped by the Rio Hondo goalie.

Ventura will next host Cerritos on Monday Sept. 18. Kickoff at the Sportsplex is slated for 6:30 pm.