Back-to-back goals leave Pirates, Hornets all tied up
| Final | 1 | 2 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Fullerton (6-1-1, 3-0-1) | 0 | 1 | 1 |
|
Orange Coast (4-1-4, 2-0-2) | 0 | 1 | 1 |
COSTA MESA -- The Orange Coast College women's soccer team battled visiting Fullerton College to a 1-1 draw on Tuesday in a crucial Orange Empire Conference matchup.
With an opportunity for a shot at first place with a win, both teams went at the other team hard for the full 90 minutes.
After a scoreless first half, OCC (4-1-4, 2-0-2 in OEC) struck first when Aubrey Izabal battled deep inside Fullerton's zone with the ball and after it was deflected away by the Hornets' defense, the ball found the foot of OCC teammate Lupe Rodriguez and the sophomore forward ripped a shot through the hands of FC goalkeeper Savannah Dyer (five saves) and into the back of the net in the 52nd minute.
On the very next possession, Fullerton (6-1-1, 3-0-1) marched down the field and found an opening when Alexandra Lopez slipped a pass to Brooke Morris, who buried her opportunity into the back of Coast's net, tying the score less than 20 seconds after OCC's tally.
The Pirates had a pair of decent free-kick opportunities to regain the lead in the final 10 minutes of play, but both attempts failed to hit their mark.
OCC netminder Alison Marlow was strong throughout the game and picked up six saves, including five in the first half when Fullerton used a favorable wind to create early scoring opportunities.
The Pirates will return to action on Friday at Golden West College, beginning at 3 p.m.
