Kat Mabry
The heat may be leaving cities surrounding Pierce soon, but the women’s soccer team is not ready to cool off yet – on fire this afternoon playing their 6th game this season against Moorpark.
Before even two minutes of play could pass, Nora Perez had scored a goal bringing the Brahmas to a quick 1 – 0 lead over the Raiders.
Without giving the Raiders an opportunity to catch up, the Brahmas scored their second goal right away, in seven minutes. Erica Vangsness (No. 12) scored the goal, assisted by Jessica Gonzalez.
This makes the 8th goal in six games for Vangness so far this season.
“I’m proud,” Vangsness said. “It’s the team, I wouldn’t have been able to do it without them.”
The Brahmas goal keeper, Marissa Graska saw a defense from her team that allowed only two shot attempts from Moorpark’s offensive side. Graska saved both shots.
Last season’s game with the same team left the Brahmas with a 3 – 3 tie after a strong come back late in play.
“It’s always, always close with them,” said Adolfo Perez, head coach. “Our fitness helps, we’re very fit.”
Following the 1st half, the sun had gone down and the clouds moved in over the field, leaving a chill in the air.
Just as the first half was spent with Pierce mostly in the offensive zone, the Brahmas found themselves dominating the box and finding opportunities for as many shots on goal the could need for their victory.
Into the second half, at 12 minutes, Sophie Forrester, shot the ball towards the goal keeper deflecting off one of the Raiders defenders as it met the net with precision.
With time to spare and a 3 – 0 lead, Perez subbed out his players, including his goal keeper. Andrea Ulloa, No. 23 took over the goal 35 minutes into the second half.
Ulloa contributed to the shut out of the game with one save.
Satisfied as the team was with what the standing scoreboard read, the Brahma domination was not over.
With 20 minutes left of play, Kristen Rosado sealed the deal scoring the 4th goal.
The victory marks Pierce women’s soccer team with their 4th shut out of the season.
“They’re an amazing team, I’m really happy we spanked them,” said Vangsness with a smile.
Moorpark walked somberly off the field, defeated.
“We got outplayed, we weren’t ready,” said Mark Tietijen, Moorpark’s assistant coach. “They scored two goals in the first five minutes.”
Perez was satisfied with the victory, grinning from ear to ear as he walked off the field after congratulating his team.
“We’ve never done this,” Perez said of the shut out. “This is an amazing team,” he said proudly as he looked at his players high-fiving one another near their equipment.
Perez will continue smiling with pride onto Long Beach where the Brahmas face game seven of the season against the Long Beach City College VikingsTuesday.