Pirates grind out 1-0 win over Dons
| Final | 1 | 2 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Santa Ana (2-6-1,0-3-1) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|
Orange Coast (4-1-2,2-1-1) | 1 | 0 | 1 |
COSTA MESA -- The Orange Coast College women's soccer team did what had to be done to post a 1-0 win over visiting Santa Ana College on Friday.
However, it wasn't the type of win that will saturate any upcoming highlight reels and head coach Kevin Smith knows that.
"We got the win and that is always the main objective when you come out to a game, but we need to play a lot better in all areas as the season continues," Smith said to his team afterward. "We have Saddleback next week and if we want to make this a very special season, we're going to have do a better job with our overall game."
OCC (4-1-2, 2-1-1 in the Orange Empire Conference) picked up the game's lone goal in the final seconds of the first half. Danielle Dapello fought off a defender deep in Dons' territory and flicked a pass across the goal mouth to teammate Shelle Zito, who flicked a shot past SAC goalkeeper Priscilla Suarez (six saves) and into the back of the net.
In the second half, the Pirates had a couple of good looks, but the score remained the same. In the 53rd minute, Devan Ellison ripped a shot from inside the box, but it rang off of the crossbar, keeping the score, 1-0.
The Dons (2-6-1, 0-3-1) had their best opportunity for a goal come in the 58th minute when Kristina Alatorre ripped a shot heading for the top section of the goal. But OCC netminder Emily Harrier (two saves) reached up and punched the shot over the crossbar and kept the Dons off of the scoreboard the rest of the match.
Coast will return to action on Tuesday at Saddleback, beginning at 3 p.m.
