Pirates blank Rustlers, 3-0, in regular-season finale
| Final | 1 | 2 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Golden West (3-11-5, 2-9-5) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|
Orange Coast (13-5-3, 10-4-2) | 1 | 2 | 3 |
COSTA MESA -- Under the bright lights of Dick Tucker Field, it was the Orange Coast College women's soccer team who shined the brightest as the Pirates rolled past rival Golden West, 3-0, on Thursday night in the regular-season finale for both teams.
The Pirates (13-5-3, 10-4-2 in Orange Empire Conference) dominated play throughout the match and outshot the Rustlers, 14-5. With wave after wave of offensive push, Coast earned 10 corner kicks (two for GWC) and had a dozen more quality scoring opportunities.
In the 18th minute, Sydnee Busby slipped a pass to Emily Malec and the sophomore midfielder buried her shot into the back of the net, putting Coast ahead, 1-0.
It stayed that way through the first half and halfway through the second half before a costly mental lapse by the Rustlers (3-11-5, 2-9-5) cost them a goal.
Rustlers' goalkeeper Brooke Riddle, who finished with nine saves, kicked a clearing ball outside of the 18-yard box, giving OCC a free-kick opportunity and from there, Pirate sophomore Jordan Moore ripped a laser past Riddle into the upper portion of the net in the 69th minute.
Finally, with just over a minute left in regulation, Illiana Casteneda fed a nice pass to Sam Oliver, who drilled her shot past Riddle to close out the scoring.
It was a stress-free night for OCC netminder Tara Tellez, who notched a pair of saves to pick up the win.
Playoff seedings will be announced on Monday. If the Pirates earn a 15-16-17-18 seed, they will have a play-in game on Thursday. If Coast earns a 14th-seed or lower, a playoff match will take place on Saturday.
