Competing on the smallest field they'll see this season, the Cerritos College women's soccer team scored three second half goals to defeat host Pasadena City College, 3-0 on Friday. Locked in a scoreless game through the first half, the Falcons didn't get on the scoreboard until the 71st minute before posting two more goals to secure the win. The victory was the ninth in a row for Cerritos (13-1-1), who are ranked #4 in the country, and it was their 10th shutout of the season.
The team will start the second half of South Coast Conference South Division play next Wednesday with a 4:00 p.m. home game against El Camino College.
The offense got going in the 71st minute when freshman defender Jennifer Lopez (Marshall Fundamental HS) scored on a free kick from 35 yards out for her first goal of the season. That goal on the scoreboard changed the approach for the Lancers (8-5-3), who were looking to keep the game as tight as possible. It forced them to take more chances on offense, which left their defense exposed.
The extra playing field on the back end allowed freshman Stephanie Nava (Shadow Ridge, NV HS) to dribble around five Pasadena City players down the sideline. After receiving a pass from sophomore Itzel Ballesteros (Maywood Academy HS) She was able to make a turn along the end line toward the Lancer goal, where she scored into the inside post for her fourth goal of the season and second in the last three games.
Keeping the Lancers off the scoreboard marked the 10th time Cerritos has shut out their opponent, including the fifth time in the last seven games. Freshman goalie Deisy Rodriguez (Katella HS) improved to 11-0-1 with her fourth complete game shutout and eighth overall.
Continuing their offensive attack after the Lancers moved a defender up for more potential offensive chances, it caused them to clutch and grab more because of the Cerritos team speed, which led to a free kick in extra time. Freshman Mia Ramirez (Torrance HS) stepped up and wrapped her shot around the wall and underneath the arms of Lancers goalie Lilly Urumeih to close out the scoring.