Huskies Shut Out Previously Unbeaten Irvine Valley, 2-0

by Cerwin D Haynes

(assisted by AI... a little)

East Los Angeles College women's soccer head coach Ramon Rivas mentioned a few days ago that today's matchup against Irvine Valley would be a good early season test for his improved team. The Lasers came into Weingart Stadium today undefeated at 4-0, the type of quality opponent the Pack will see more of once conference play begins next month.

Coach Rivas' ladies passed with flying colors, shutting out IVC (4-1) by a score of 2-0. 

The Huskies controlled the match defensively while making the most of their opportunities, limiting Irvine Valley to just four shots on goal over 90 minutes. The home Green opened the scoring in the 22nd minute when Mia Viana found the back of the net off an assist from Rihanna Kennard, giving the Huskies a 1-0 advantage at halftime (it could have been more if not for a couple of razor-thin near-misses in front of the Laser's goal). Nevertheless, the Pack added an insurance goal in the 71st minute: Kennard, who led the Huskies' attack with six shots including four on goal, scored off an assist from Samantha Ortega Garcia, extending the lead to 2-0.

ELAC finished with a 13-11 advantage in total shots and put nine shots on Irvine Valley goalkeeper Jules Degroen, who made seven saves. The Huskies also held a 9-4 edge in shots on goal.

Goalkeeper Suhey Santillan recorded the shutout for ELAC, making four saves in 90 minutes. Irvine Valley managed just four shots on target after halftime.

Rivas beamed about his team's effort today. "The girls were amazing," said the second-year coach. "Energy was high from the start, it did not stop."

He also noted that the effort really began in the previous days' practices. "It all begins in the training," he said. "Their minds have to be right, to trust one another."

"We came up with a gameplan, and executed amazingly".

East LA improves to 4-1-2 on the season.

HUSKY BITS

• While stats are still pending from a couple of high-scoring road games, it would not be a surprise if Kennard ends up amongst the state scoring and/or points' leaders. The freshman forward consistently drew double and triple teams as her speed and technical skill put constant pressure on IVC's defenders all afternoon. "She's a hard-working player," says Coach Rivas. "She's passionate about the game, and has a bright future".

UP NEXT:

Rivas' crew rest for the weekend before they head up to Palmdale on Tuesday to take on Antelope Valley College at 1:30pm. The game will be streamed live on the Marauders' Sports Network (aka their fancy YouTube channel).