Women’s Soccer Headed in the Wrong Direction

Oct 2, 20242 min read

The Monarchs dropped their first conference game of the season 6-0 against Citrus College.

By Alex Diaz, Sports Editor

Owl forward Alexia Leon attacks Monarch defender Kiele Torrance. (Luis Gonzalez for The Valley Star).

The Citrus College Owls overwhelmed Valley College Tuesday, defeating the Monarchs 6-0 at Valley College.

The home loss marks the third-straight game that the women’s soccer team was unable to scratch a goal. Owls' goalkeeper Liliana Miramontes only needed three saves to shut out Valley, which is on a two-game losing streak, and the team now stands at 3-4-1. Conversely, Citrus (4-0-1) dominated the game, taking 23 shots and scoring six goals against Valley.

“Our plan changed a little bit after that first-half goal,” said Head Coach Jonathan Horst whose team was down 1-0 at the break. “Unfortunately, the changes we made in formations didn’t have the desired effect.”

In the first half, Citrus midfielder Sarah Nelson netted the first goal 16 minutes into the match, making the score 1-0. The Owls were on the attack in the first half, attempting nine shots. Despite the offensive pressure, freshman goalkeeper Nina Diaz made six saves while the defensive line held off the remaining three shots.

At the 47th minute, Owl midfielder Julianna Gasca scored a goal with an assist from forward Aubrianna Mejia as the visitors increased their lead to 2-0. Two minutes later, Gasca struck again, scoring on an assist from center midfielder Emily Cherry, increasing the Citrus’ lead to 3-0. By the 54-minute, goalkeeper Nina Gomez was replaced by goalkeeper Cynthia Femat-Gomez.

“I felt pretty good and ready to put up a good fight,” Diaz said. “After the first goal, I just tried to push it back and not let it affect me.”

Citrus, with the lead in their favor, attempted two shots saved by Gomez before the 72nd minute; Owl forward Alexia Leon shot straight through Monarch's defense, extending their lead to 4-0. Three minutes later, Citrus forward Malani Gonzalez, with a precise assist from forward Andrea Meza, found the back of the net, scoring the fifth goal.

As the match entered its final seven minutes, the Owls made their dominance known by scoring the final goal. With a pinpoint assist from forward Meza, forward midfielder Arianna Salcido unleashed a kick into the left corner of the net, securing the one-sided match.

“We reflect, think about it, and forget about it,” said goalkeeper Cynthia Femat-Gomez. “ Losses are gonna happen, but you must get ready for the next game.”

The Monarchs head to Bakersfield College Friday for a 4 p.m. game.