The Pierce College women’s soccer team kept their season alive with a 2-1 win over San Bernardino Valley College in the first round of the California Community College Athletics Association 2013 Women’s Soccer SoCal Regional.
Pierce took to the field without its head coach Adolfo Perez, who was suspended for failing to turn in the teams’ statistics according to athletics director Bob Lofrano. Perez was not the only one as 26 other coaches were suspended for failing to turn in their teams’ statistics.
“When you get 27 coaches affected across the board in the state,” said Perez “there’s something wrong somewhere.”
Although Pierce played without Perez on the sideline, they were led by assistant coaches William Diaz and Cruz Hernandez.
“I think Willy and Cruz did a good job,” said Pierce’s forward and leading goal scorer Michelle Somers.
The Brahmas managed to win the game despite giving up a goal in the first minute and 20 seconds of play to SBVC’s sophomore midfielder Maria Navarro. The first half belonged to SBVC; they controlled the match until halftime. The windy climate benefitted SBVC during their dominant first half.
During the second half Pierce was able to use the windy climate to its advantage and manged to stay calm and collected and eventually drew even with a corner kick goal. The goal was scored by Somers, who was able to beat the keeper with her header after connecting with the cross put in by sophomore defender Karina Ramirez in the 58th minute of the game.
In the 72nd minute of play Pierce would strike again and take the lead, after Somers was able to connect with the through ball from Ramirez, and coolly slot the ball past the keeper.
“It’s pretty remarkable for a kid that hasn’t played in five years,” said Perez.
With the two goals, Somers increased her goal totals for the season to 20 and is four goals away from breaking the record of 24 goals in a single season.
Although the team won, they will be without Perez for the next five games.
“Not being there at playoffs is the worst punishment, I think,” said Perez. “Especially after never being suspended in 13 years.”
The team will now focus on its Tuesday match up against Orange Coast College, who eliminated Pierce in the 2012 playoffs.
“They’re very physical, they play direct and they’re very big on throw ins,” said Perez. “We definitely have to stop that.”
The game will be played on Tuesday Nov. 26 at OCC at 2 p.m.
