SANTA CLARITA, Calif. - Stacy Atwater did for the Cougars Saturday night what she's been doing all season long - finding the back of the net, helping the Cougars defeat No. 12 Mt. San Antonio College 2-1 in the first round of the California Community College Athletic Association Southern California Regionals.
Down 1-0 with just 10 minutes left in the first round playoff game at College of the Canyons, Atwater, who leads the team and conference in goals scored, poked a ball into the net following a mad scrum in front of the Mounties net to tie the game. And in the final minute of the game, it was Atwater again, this time taking a crossing pass from Lizzie Rivas, and blasting the ball into the back of the net, sending the Cougars into ecstasy, the crowd into hysterics, and the college into the next round of the playoffs.
In the first half, the programs played evenly, each team posting zeros and it was the 12th-ranked Mt. San Antonio Mounties who would strike first. Carlee Chien was in the right place at the right time, as a shot on the Cougars' goal was punched away by COC goaltender Katherine Koury. But Chien was right there to handle the deflection, and push it past Koury for the 1-0 lead.
Time was running out on the Cougars until a corner kick by Cougar center fielder Yesenia Avilez couldn't be contained by the Mountie defense or keeper, and bounced around in the box and off numerous players, attacker and defender alike. It was Atwater though who would find the ball and tie the game.
And it was the last second effort by the Cougars that proved to be the difference maker. In the 90th and final minute, the Cougars attacked and broke away, with center fielder Rivas crossing to an open Atwater, who neatly handled the pass and put away the Mounties, just seconds ahead of the final whistle.
The No. 4 Cougars will now host No. 5 San Diego Miramar, Tuesday at 4 p.m. in Cougar Stadium. Miramar, the Pacific Coast, North Conference Champion, beat Citrus College 6-0 to advance in its first round match up.
Tickets for the event can only be bought at the gate. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students with identification, staff, children under 12 and seniors over 60.
