Philip George, Spring 2009 Assistant Sports Editor
The Pierce College women’s soccer team settled for their fifth tie on Nov. 6, a scoreless match against Glendale College at Satoris Field in Glendale. The Brahmas held an opponent scoreless for the 21st time in 22 games this season, but on offense, found it nearly impossible to penetrate the unorthodox alignment of the Glendale defense. “I expected it to be tough,” said head coach Adolfo Perez. “They played at home in front of their fans and were very motivated.” Glendale played what is known as a “bunker defense,” in which all 11 players play behind the ball as defensive backs opposite Pierce’s staggered formation that covers the entire field. Ortega said that it was the most that the Pierce offense had been challenged all season. “We had opportunities and we weren’t able to put them away, but that happens in soccer,” he said. Allison Fass, Pierce’s freshman center back, broke down the Brahmas’ offensive performance, attributing it to a lack of composure due to the crowd intensity and Glendale’s unexpected style of play, and is confident that the team can correct any problems they have before entering the playoffs. “If we just stay more calm, we’ll be able to handle any formation that they play,” Fass said. Glendale Head Coach Jorge Mena promised prior to the game that his team had nothing to lose and everything to gain, and that they would give it their all. Against the Brahmas, the Vaqueros of Glendale delivered on that promise. “They came out and played like a playoff team,” said Ortega. “They played with a lot of intensity, with a purpose.” Both players and coaches insist that, although Pierce did not emerge from the game with a win, it was a positive experience as they head down the final stretch of the season, because the matchup provided a preview for playoff intensity, benefiting a team that is composed mainly of freshmen. “No matter what, I think the game was really good for us, no matter if we won, lost, tied, whatever,” said Fass. Pierce will now turn their attention to the Southern California Regionals, a win-or-go-home tournament set to begin on Saturday.