Cookie Comes Through in Clutch

Glendora, CA -- For just over 75 minutes visiting West Los Angeles College put forth a strong defensive effort, keeping the Citrus College Women's Soccer program off the board despite facing an onslaught of Owl shots. The Wildcats couldn't keep Citrus scoreless forever though as freshman Jaline "Cookie" Miranda came through in the clutch for Citrus in a 2-1 win.

The Owls dominated possession throughout the game and in particular in the first half taking 12 shots to West LA's one. Citrus was even on target with seven shots on goal. Still the Owls could only find the vicinity of the Wildcat keeper and not the back of the net as the two schools played to a 0-0 tie at the half.

In the second half, things continued on the same trajectory. The Owls would take 10 total shots in the second half, while the Wildcats had a few more chances with three. Citrus' attempts would all fall by the wayside until Miranda got the ball on the left wing past the last line of Wildcat defenders. Miranda dribbled the ball deep into the left side of the box before sending a rocket cross up the line. The ball found the feet of a crashing Savanna Lujan who made it 1-0 in the 75th minute.

Citrus' celebration didn't last long though. Instead of continuing as the aggressor the Owls took their foot off the gas pedal and gave West LA an opportunity they wouldn't miss. Earning a corner in the 78th minute, the Wildcats put the game right back where it was, tied up.

Needing something quick, Citrus quickly turned the jets back on and the Owls got a strong pass from the midfield to sophomore Ariana Reyes on the left side. Reyes, much like Miranda before her, dribbled hard into the box but instead of veering left, took a hard shot at the keeper. The shot bounced off the keepers hands and right at the feet of Miranda, who was crashing this time. Miranda swiftly and firmly lifted the ball over the keepers head in the 79th minute giving Citrus the lead back for good.

With the win, Citrus improves to 6-4-4 overall and 4-1-3 in WSC South play. The Owls get little time to rest as they head back out on the road tomorrow to take on Bakersfield College at 4:00 PM in a makeup of the game that got cancelled due to mudslides on the 5 Freeway two weeks back.