SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – It was a stalemate for most of Tuesday's SBCC women's soccer match, as the Vaqueros (7-5-1, 3-2-1) found themselves in a 0-0 tie hosting divisional opponent Moorpark (6-8-2, 2-3-1) heading into the final minutes.
However, forward Monica Pizano did what she has done all season long, creating an opportunity by taking on a defender down to the byline on the left wing. The Solvang, CA native cut inside and was tripped up, drawing a penalty for the second straight game.
This time, when it mattered most, Pizano kept her attempt on target, ending the mutual shutout with her goal in the 84th minute. It was her team-leading sixth goal of the year.
SBCC had been testing the Moorpark defense for much of the day, ending up with 14 total shot attempts. Prior to the penalty, there always seemed to be a defender in the way to block any apparent chance at a breakthrough.
Things seemed to open up a bit more in the final third of the game with both teams pressing, giving Pizano her chance to go 1-on-1 on her favored left side. The talented sophomore now also holds team-highs in points (16), assists (4) and game-winners (2).
This continues the best stretch that SBCC has put together this season, now having lost just one out of five games in October. They will end a three-game home stand this Friday when they host Ventura at 7:30 p.m. at La Playa Stadium.
