Forward Genesis Lopez scored the game winning goal that secured Long Beach City College’s 1-0 victory against visiting Ventura College women’s soccer team as well as its spot in the second round of Southern California Regionals, on Saturday.
LBCC had 16 shot attempts, with eight corner kicks and four shots on goal. Midfielder Paige Rodriguez led with four shot attempts, midfielder Aimee McSparren was close behind with three attempts and two shots on goal.
The score remained 0-0 by halftime. An intense back and forth between LBCC and Ventura’s defenses kept both sides alert for the 45 minute duration as both sides racked up shot attempts.
LBCC steamed forward at the start of the second half with three shot attempts. The fourth attempt was the deciding goal.
Lopez’s scoring shot was the first of her two shot attempts during the game. That one shot made all the difference in the last 20 minutes of the second half, with LBCC’s intent to defend their lead.
“It was really a group effort. We just kept pushing in. (Making the goal) was scary, there were a couple other shots we took, but mine was the one that made it in. It was just in the moment,” Lopez said.
The final stretch of the second quarter remained high pace, with both teams attempting two shots, but goalkeeper Veronica Salcido kept it tight with two saves, while LBCC’s final attempts were blocked by Ventura’s defenders.
“(Ventura) defended so well and made it so hard for us to score, but we’re fortunate to have so many different players, and we could throw different strategies at them,” head coach Eduardo Nunes said.
Just a year ago, the Vikings were in the same position, securing a win against the first team they played in regional competition as the No. 5 seed, but their second game knocked them out of the running.
“Now we need to recover and sharpen our existing plays,” Nunes said.
This year, LBCC was seeded No. 3 in competition, showing a marked improvement in its standing from last season.
Midfielder Melanie Guerrero, another sophomore player who played in last year’s regional game, was substituted out in the last 11 minutes of the game after a ball in play hit her square in the face and sustained minor injuries.
Despite it, Guerrero was all smiles as she talked about the team’s win against Ventura.
“(Lopez) was just hungry for the goal and made the shot. I think it shows that in the end it just comes down to who wants it more,” Guerrero said.
“We’ve been here before, with Mt. SAC (San Antonio College),” Guerrero said, referencing the close score game. “ It’s just cool we can face off such a tough team and win.”
LBCC will be facing off against Cypress College for the second round of competition on Tuesday. The hosting team is yet to be announced.