It wasn't the storybook finish, but the Pasadena City College women's soccer team will remember the 2024 season as the greatest in the school's history in the sport. Three Saddleback goals in a span of 10 minutes in the first half proved too much for the #2 seed Lancers as they lost, 3-0, in the SoCal Regional Finals on Saturday afternoon.
The Lancers finish at 19-2-2 with a school record in victories, a South Coast Conference Tournament championship, a record 10-match win streak, and the Round 4 advancement the longest postseason run in the progam's history.
No. 3 seed Saddleback (18-2-3) advances to the 3C2A State Championships next week. The Bobcats jumped ahead 1-0 in the 19th minute when Anjelina Nieto placed a ball for a quick breakaway to Jinan Said, who ripped a shot from the 15-yard line (Robinson Stadium football field marks). The Nieto-Said combination connected again twice more with Nieto, who has six goals in the postseason, drilling two lightning blasts past PCC goalie Francesca Agliolo.
PCC didn't get too many quality scoring chances, but Alexa Espinoza-Gutierrez had a point blank shot stopped by Saddleback goalie Cameron Simmons in the 32nd minute. Ashley Vera had her shot at the goalline blocked by Saddleback defender Allson Lozano right before the first half whistle.
In the second half, the Lancers frequently made plays deep in Bobcats' territory, but could not get off shots in a wall of Saddleback defenders. The best chance came with three minutes left as Angely Puga ripped a line drive from the 21-yard line wide of the far post.
Destiny Delgado had a strong defensive second half and Delilah Vazquez made some plays in Saddleback territory in an effort to score. Charlie Gallardo, the SCC leading scorer this season was kept in check by Saddleback's quick responses to her offensive moves. Agliolo made seven saves, her best a tip over the bar on a long free kick that skipped off the bounce by Katelyn Ramirez.
"It was an unfortunate way to end the year as we could have done so much more in those 90 minute today," said PCC head coach Terryn Soelberg. "I'm immensely proud of what we accomplished and will miss the 18 sophomores who really raised our level of game this season. It will be tough to replace two big leaders and talents in Charlie and Itzel Nunez. I know that all of our sophomores will go on to bigger and better things."
