Santa Monica defeats Canyons 1-0 to take first place

by Trev Angone, The Corsair

The Santa Monica College Women's Soccer team won their biggest game of the season Tuesday afternoon, edging the first place College of the Canyons Cougars 1-0.

Not only did the win hand the Cougars their first conference loss of the season, it also gives SMC the outright lead in the conference standings, and drops College of the Canyons from first place down to second.

The win was secured late in the second half despite relentless defense, and outstanding goaltending from both sides.

Following a corner kick, the Corsairs managed to keep the ball in the Cougars zone, and after multiple failed attempts to clear the ball by the Cougars, SMC managed to find Xiovana Ordaz in stride behind the defense with just enough time to score the game winning goal.

"It happened in a moment. We kept going back and forth, then I saw the ball go over my head, and I just happened to kick it in. It went right underneath her armpit, and into the goal," said forward Ordaz. "I just kept my head in the game. The first half wasn't really my half, but the second half I just went in, and told myself to keep my head in the game, defend, and keep on going no matter what."

The 1-0 win would not have been possible without the stellar play from goalkeeper Jessica Ibarra, who made no less than five huge saves in the first half to keep the game 0-0.

"She's a big piece. We're lucky to have such a good goalie, and we're grateful for all the big saves she came up with today," said head coach Joe Pehanich.

This was the biggest test for the Corsairs this season. With this win, they have proven that thus far into the season, they are the class of the Western State – South Conference, and have a great jump on the field for a favorable seeding in the upcoming playoffs.

That being said, though it may be likely, the Corsairs know that a playoff birth isn't necessarily guaranteed just yet. So finishing strong is crucial if they're going to make a serious run into the playoffs.

"A win like this is huge, you saw the girls reaction. They're thrilled, and they deserve to celebrate," said Pehanich. "Hopefully we can seal up the next four or five games, and walk away with the first conference championship for women's soccer here at Santa Monica [College]." The Corsairs will travel to Citrus College this Friday for a 1 p.m. matchup.

- See more at: http://www.thecorsaironline.com/sports/2014/10/29/womens-soccer-defeats-college-of-the-canyons-1-0-to-take-first-place/#sthash.LIBMgwEP.dpuf