Cougars Go Back-to-Back with Victory Over L.A. Valley
By Alexis Quevedo/COC Sports Information
College of the Canyons began its second round of conference play with a 3-0 home victory over L.A. Valley College on Friday night.
Canyons (10-3-2, 7-1-1) has now won back-to-back matches after defeating Santa Monica College by a 3-1 score on Oct. 18. The Cougars currently still sit a game behind Antelope Valley College (10-3-2, 7-0-1) for the number one spot in the Western State Conference (WSC), South Division.
COC sophomore Lauren Bailey provided the first goal in the 24th minute thanks to a strategically placed assist from Katie Russell who charged down the field to beat L.A. Valley defenders.
After striking first, COC began settling for defensive stops and allowing their offense to come naturally. The Cougars almost put away another goal with eight minutes to go in the half that ultimately sailed too high over the crossbar.
The Cougars' attacking defense and patient striking proved to be effective as COC managed 10 shots in the first half in addition to four corner kicks and allowed Santa Monica only four shot attempts and one corner kick.
COC scored for a second time in the 60th minute when Giselle Gomez took a long shot that soared past L.A. Valley goalkeeper Lum Kristen to put the Cougars up 2-0. Sabine Yalung was credited with an assist on the play.
In the 73rd minute it was COC sophomore Sascha Marcellin delivering the final goal to seal the victory over the Monarchs. Marcellin's goal was assisted by freshman Kylie Storaker.
The Cougars outshot LAVC 22-8 and earned more corner kick opportunities edging the Monarchs 7-1. L.A. Valley was also being pressured defensively all game long finishing with 13 saves in comparison to COC goalkeeper Hazel Saucedo (3-0) who recorded four saves to get the win.
The Cougars will next play at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 25 in an away match vs. Glendale College.
Stay up to date on all this season's action by following the College of the Canyons Athletic department on social media at @COCathletics on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
—Photo by Mari Kneisel/COC Sports Information