
The state #2-ranked Pasadena City College women's soccer team used some Sophomore Day motivation in ending a 12-year winless streak for the program against #13 Long Beach City College, edging the Vikings, 1-0, in a South Coast Conference game at Robinson Stadium on Friday.
Amazingly, the Lancers tied the school record for longest winning streak at seven games set earlier this year (August 23-September 13) while upping their record to 15-1-1 and 7-1 in SCC play. PCC also ended state #13 Long Beach's current 10-game (9-0-1) undefeated string and gave the Vikings their first loss in South Coast play, now at 6-1-1.
The Lancers celebrated the accomplishments of a group of 18 sophomores in a ceremony prior to the contest. One of those was Hailey Hull, nicknamed Ms. Clutch. Hull has had a bevy of dramatic game-winning goals, including last year's overtime goal that upset Mt. San Antonio in the regional playoffs.
With 17 minutes left, Delilah Vazquez took a free kick from the 25-yard line and Hull snuck underneath the LBCC defense to head in her seventh game-winner in her PCC career. It was Hull's 15th career goal while the sophomore Vazquez overtook heralded teammate Charlie Gallardo for the conference lead in assists with now nine. Gallardo continues to be the SCC leading points and goals scorer.
The game was a physical affair as the teams combined for 22 fouls and four yellow cards while also drawing emotions from both sidelines and fans..
"Long Beach has always plays a tough style, but I felt we matched their physicality and speed," said PCC head coach Terryn Soelberg. "It was a great game and it could have just as easily ended in a tie because it was that close. We pushed our offense over the last 30 minutes and Delilah and Hailey just connected with a beautiful play."
PCC goalie Francesca Agliolo made seven saves as the team recorded a school-record 11th shutout of the season. The sophomore Agliolo is now third in the state in save percentage (.900) and her 0.48 goals against average is tied for fifth among starting netminders.
Helping her in keeping Long Beach off the board were sophomore defenders Destiny Delgado and Itzel Nunez, who both were at their best in cutting off Vikings' opportunities. Gallardo as usual carried the midfield play with strong ball control while also coming up with influential efforts were letterman defender Tatiana Grigoryan and freshman midfielder Monique Arciniega.
Beating LBCC for the first time at Robinson Stadium in 23 years, the team's recent negative streak v. the Vikings did include five ties (0-10-5).
The last PCC victory v. Long Beach occurred in 2012, 1-0, on the road. It was just the fifth time the program won v. its long-time SCC rival in their 47-game history dating back to 1997.
Pasadena can still possibly tie for the SCC North Division title but would have to beat host Compton on Tuesday, Nov. 5 and need Long Beach to knock off #6 Mt. San Antonio. The Mounties top the SCC North at 8-0, including handing PCC its only loss in 17 games. The Lancers have never won a conference title in women's soccer.
SOPHOMORE GROUP (photo by Richard Quinton)