Women’s soccer shuts out Lobos for 10th win
By Ryan Kuhn
The Guardsman
Ten wins in a season does not seem that great. But to the women’s soccer team at City College, 10 wins doubles the amount of victories last year and so far solidifies the top spot in the Coast Conference standings.
Last Friday, the Rams (10-1-2) kept on with their winning ways, shutting out Monterey Peninsula College 5-0. It was their eighth shut out this season.
In the last three games, City College outscored their opponents 17-1 and leads all Northern California schools in goals scored.
“We are working a lot in practice finishing and getting behind defenses,” head coach Gabe Saucedo said. “I’m really happy at the amount of goal scoring opportunities we are getting.”
The Rams started early with a header by freshman midfielder Yvette Flores. Later in the first half, forward Christina Barretto doubled the score with a goal of her own.
Because of the aggressive offense that City College displays, the Rams were called on many offside penalties that stopped their momentum. Saucedo and his team know they can improve on certain aspects of their game.
“We still need to work talking on the field and working more as a team,” freshman forward Alex Montano said.
Montano, who is second on the team in goals scored, extended the lead in the second half as she scored on a header assisted by Tera Piserchio.
Minutes later Montano showed she not only could score, but also pass as well, finding Christian Bibiano whose shot sailed over the Monterey goal keeper.
Not only has the offense stepped up, but the Rams defensive duo of goal keepers Jhosselyn Alvarenga and Alexandra Jerez have only given up a total of seven goals all season.
Splitting the time against Monterey by each playing a half, both Alvarenga and Jerez each had one save and allowed the Lobos only three shots on goal.
With the second half winding down, Piserchio was the fifth Ram to score on the afternoon, putting City College up 5-0, where it would stay until the final whistle.
Even as they sit atop the Coast Conference, the Rams know their road will be challenging, still having to play Skyline, Las Posistas and Ohlone. Saucedo made it clear what his team’s goals are.
“Before the season starts we set goals for ourselves, and one of those goals is a conference championship,” Saucedo said. “We talked yesterday, and those goals are obtainable. It’s there for us to take it and it’s just about going out there and performing and playing well.”
The Rams will continue in conference play on Oct. 22 as they host Las Posistas, where they tied in the first meeting, 2-2 on Sept. 17. Kick off is at 1:30 p.m. on their home field in Crocker Park.