An injury and missed opportunities are what prevented the Brahmas from getting their 12th conference title in Friday’s game against the Santa Monica College Corsairs.
The Brahmas came into the game following a scoreless draw against the LA Valley College Monarchs.
Head coach Adolfo Perez said if they wanted to beat the Corsairs, they needed all of their players available.
“It’s tough when you play against a good team, you need everybody,” Perez said.
During the game, goalkeeper Iliana Yanez went down with an injury and it changed the team’s menality.
“I was kind of sad because I was having a good game and it shakes up your team when your goalie is down so it was chaotic,” Yanez said. “I got a concussion. It was three girls from the other team just all came at me when I was on the ground and one of them stepped on my jaw.”
Ceirra Little gave the Corsairs the lead but the Brahmas tied the game through Jessica Tapia. Before halftime, Cindy Castro restored Santa Monica’s lead.
Towards the end of the game, Filippa Strusxjo scored Santa Monica’s third goal that gave them the win.
Perez said that when Yanez went down, it was the game changer. Valerie Mojica took Yanez’s place in goal but she was also injured.
Perez said with the goalie change, Santa Monica capitalized on their chances.
“The first two shots went in when our other goalie was subbed on. And those things have to happen for things to go your way,” Perez said.
Despite the loss, Perez said the team still has an opportunity to make the playoffs. If confirmed, it will be the team’s 18th straight year making the postseason.
“We are the only team in California that can say that. And that for a while was in jeopardy but I think there is still a chance,” Perez said.
The Brahmas in their 18 seasons have never finished below second place.
Gisell Cruz, forward, said the team showed effort and it as a good game despite losing by two goals.
“Everyone played with so much heart. It was an unlucky game. We had our chances but we didn’t finish them and they did,” Cruz said.
The Brahmas have to get the win over the West LA College Wildcats to secure their spot in the postseason.
The seeding meeting will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 13, but teams will submit paper work on Monday.
