Gauchos outlast in sister school clash
Saddleback women’s soccer struggled to find its rhythm in a 1-0 victory over Irvine Valley College on Oct. 9th in a very physical game lax in calls.
“We knew going in what it was going to be like,” said Gauchos head coach Brandee Craig in reference to the physical game. “I wish the refs had gotten control earlier.”
The first half showed the Gauchos having trouble to get into a steady offensive groove, allowing the Lasers too far into their territory and then depending on long clearing passes flowed by chases from the forwards.
This tiring tactic was not helping the Gauchos in, as every chase from the forwards was followed by a clearing pass by the Lasers.
Saddleback showed glimpses of life as time wore on by slowing the pace down and putting the ball through more phases and passes making sure to keep possession, but it was too little too late for the first half. The Gauchos were in need of a breather as the half ended 0-0.
The second half progressed in a similar manner as the first.Through all the physicality of the game, Saddleback was able to find a slight taste of that groove it needs to be in at all times, as freshman midfielder Mailie Gannon scored off a pass from freshman forward Ashley Novak.
None the less, even with a goal in the bank, the Gauchos had a hard time maintaining the offense and steady passing.
“We played a hard game and should have pushed more” said freshman forward Jennifer Smith, who through all the pushing tripping and attempted axe kick suffered the biggest hit of the game from an accidental collision of heads.
Smith was taken off the field temporarily to be checked for head injuries and a concusion and later allowed to rejoin the game.
“After the hit I was hurt and a little wobbly, but I am ok now,” Smith said.
Saddleback held IVC 1-0 through the second half to secure the victory.
“The team played well and maintained our heads with the physicality of the game,” said freshman defender Amie Soares.Tuesday’s loss dropped the Lasers’ record to 2-10-0 (2-6-0).On Friday, IVC will begin the second round of conference play on the road at Santaigo Canyon College.
The Gauchos will return to the field Friday to face visiting Fullerton College. The game starts at 3 p.m.
“As long as we don’t let anyone take us out of our game mentally, we’re alright,” Craig said. “We need to be passing more and keeping it simple. One and two touch keeping possession and not running too much.”