Not even 108 degree temperatures could stop the Brahmas from getting off to a 2-0 start in the new season as they defeated Antelope Valley College Tuesday at The Pit.
The sweltering heat had a noticeable effect on the game, resulting in scheduled water breaks every 15 minutes, and slowing the pace on the field.
“Our whole pregame talk was about health and staying safe instead of focusing on the game,” head coach Adolfo Perez said.
Pierce controlled the tempo and possession for most of the first half, earning four corner kicks in the first half, and generating multiple scoring opportunities.
The Brahmas were unable to capitalize on those chances until the 39th minute when a shot from midfielder Esmeralda Guzman resulted in an own goal from Antelope Valley.
Antelope Valley controlled the beginning of the second half, seeing its best scoring chances of the game in the 51st and 52nd minutes. But sophomore goalkeeper Briana Jacobo did not allow any of the 6 shots on goal in the game, putting up her second shutout in as many games.
Pierce would pad its lead in the 70th minute on a header from midfielder Adriana Sosa, and a final goal in the 84th minute by freshman forward Gisell Cruz all but extinguished any hopes for a comeback by the Marauders.
Cruz, who was recruited by Cal State Northridge, had scoring opportunities in the first half before cashing in at the end of the game.
“I felt pretty good even though it was hot,” Cruz said. “It affected a lot, but I think we managed it pretty well and we got through it.”
Perez recognized that the final score was not indicative of how close the game truly was.
“Three nothing may sound like a lot, which it is, but it was closer than that,” Perez said.
“We scored at the right times.”
Sosa, a sophomore, sees promise in the team early in the season.
“I feel like a lot of big things are coming,” Sosa said. “We’re coming together and meshing well.”
With the success the Brahmas have had in past seasons, Perez acknowledges that they have a target on their backs.
“Every game against us is big for everybody else, so we have to bring our A game every time,” Perez said.
The Brahmas’ next game is Wednesday, Sept. 6 when they visit Chaffey College. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.
