The women’s soccer team began conference play by beating Moorpark College 3-2 in dramatic fashion.
With the game tied at two, midfielder Lauren Montiel scored a great goal hitting the ball in the first attempt after the Raider defense cleared it out.
Montiel said she was surprised to have scored the winning goal.
“It is the best feeling in the world,” Montiel said. “What made it more special was my teammates and coaches coming up to congratulate me. Seeing the fans and Adolfo jumping up and down was really special.”
The Brahmas took the lead off an indirect free kick which defender Natalia Puccio headed in.
In the second half, Forward Riley Tripp equalized for the Raiders.
Moments later, the Brahmas were awarded a penalty kick which forward Kiara Washington scored.
Forward Megan Schaffer tied the game at two, while the Pierce bench were appealing for offside.
Heading into the final minutes, Pierce were all offense and were creating constant pressure on the Raiders.
In the final minute, Montiel became the hero for the Brahmas scoring the winner.
Head soccer coach Adolfo Perez said starting conference play with a win is huge.
“Conference games are brutal. Lauren absolutely deserved it. I’ve been doing conference for many years and it is a different mindset,” Perez said. You play everybody twice. Home and away. Starting with a win against Moorpark is huge.”
Perez said he is happy to win his 298th game, but said there is room for improvement. He thought the third goal was not going to come.
“You think that, but we kept pushing and pushing,” Perez said. “I’m happy we scored at the end.”
Washington praised Montiel for stepping up.
“I’m proud of her and the team,” Washington said. “We start 1-0 in conference play, but we immediately focus on Hancock College.”
The Brahmas improve to 5-1-2 overall, 1-0 in conference play. They travel to Hancock College on Friday. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m.
