Jessica Aguilar and the Pirate offense had trouble finding the ball in space Thursday night against San Francisco in the New Balance Community College Showcase at the Sportsplex. The Rams stymied the Pirates for over 90 minutes of play before Aguilar, in a desperation play, moved a lob shot forward in traffic from 25 yards out, over the CCSF goalie's head and into the goal for a 1-1 draw.
The defenses dominated the opening 45 minutes and neither team produced many quality chances. Ventura's Abby Wood settled a pass 25 yards out from the goal in the 26th minute, but her shot sailed high. Toward the end of the half, Aguilar had a nice through ball to Wood, who sent a cross that failed to find a redirect in the 39th minute. the teams went to halftime tied nil, nil.
Six minutes after intermission, Jazzy Moreno had a steal 30 yards out resulting in a shot on goal, but the game remained scoreless.
San Francisco finally broke through in the 76th minute, taking advantage of an open net for a 1-0 lead.
The Pirates continued to fight despite the deficit. Daisy Vaca just missed an equalizer in the 81st minute with a free kick that sailed over the crossbar.
Finally, in desperation, Yahaira Ramirez sent a ball in that the Rams turned back. Aguilar then controlled the rebound and sent a left-footed lob over the goalie's head from 25 yards out to level the score on the final play of the game.
Ventura had four shots in the game with two on goal. Meanwhile, CCSF totaled six shots with three on target.
Defender Desire Lopez had a solid outing off the bench for VC, as did Alyssa Gonzalez, Monse Hernandez and Eli Padilla. Janessah Gonzales played all 90 minutes in goal with a pair of saves.
The Pirates will close the New Balance Showcase on Saturday Aug. 31 against Hartnell at 3:30 pm.