Powell's late goal lifts Pirates past Rustlers

COSTA MESA -- With not a lot of gas in their collective tanks, the Orange Coast College women's soccer team battled rival Golden West after playing on Monday and pulled out a 1-0 Orange Empire Conference win over the rival Rustlers on Tuesday at the OCC Soccer Complex.

After a scoreless first half and some back-and-forth possession by both teams, the Pirates (10-3-2, 3-3-1 in the OEC) found their opportunity in the 71st minute when Powell gained possession of a loose ball about 15 yards out and chipped a well-placed shot over the head of the GWC goalkeeper and into the back of the net for the lone tally of the afternoon.

Golden West (6-7-0, 3-4-0) had a couple of decent scoring chances but OCC goalkeeper Jessica Gardner (four saves) was up to the task, showing some quick reflexes on a point-blank shot midway through the second half. 

OCC appeared to take a 1-0 lead early in the second half, but a Pirate goal was disallowed when it was determined the shot occurred after a Coast foul.

Coast will return to action on Friday at Saddleback College, beginning at 3 p.m. OCC's next home match will be on Tuesday against Irvine Valley, also at 3 p.m.