Pirates Blank Vikings For First Win

The VC soccer team used its best performance of the young season to post a positive result to conclude the New Balance Showcase Saturday at the Sportsplex, defeating West Valley 4-0. Alix Tirado scored a pair of goals while Alyssa Cornwell had a goal and an assist and Valerie Hernandez handed out a pair of helpers. Isa Garcia got her first start in goal for VC (1-2-0), making it count turning back five Viking shots in the shutout win.

The Pirates were knocking on the door early and often in the midday sun. In the 19th minute Tirado took a pass from Elisa Merlos on the right side, but the shot rolled wide. Ten minutes later, Hernandez controlled a steal deep in the offensive end, passing to Cornwell, whose shot was saved by the West Valley goal keeper. 

VC finally broke through in the 34th minute. Alexis Arrieta had a great pass to Hernandez for a shot out front that was deflected by the goalie. Cornwell was in the right spot to clean things up for a score and a 1-0 Pirate advantage. The score remained as the teams went to intermission.

The Pirates continued to knock on the door as the second half started.  They found the net again in the 62nd minute as Tirado took a pass from Arrieta in front of the net following a corner kick, slotting it past the goalie for the 2-0 advantage.

Tirado netted her second score in 10 minutes, taking a great lead pass from Tiscareno from left to center, dancing around the goalie with a two-touch, sending a shot to the back of the net.

Ventura finished off the scoring in the 83rd minute. Hernandez hit a corner kick controlled by Kaelyn Federis, who sent a shot high to the far post  and into the net. The 4-0 lead became the final result.

The Pirates recorded their first shutout of the season behind some solid defensive play. In addition to Garcia in the goal, VC received strong play from Federis, Tiscareno, Sofia Preciado and Merlos in the back third of the pitch. 

Additionally, Ventura was dominant with the ball taking 14 shots, 12 on frame.

VC next hits the road for the first time this season, playing in the Bay Area at Evergreen Valley on Thursday Sept. 8 and at defending state champion Hartnell on Saturday Sept. 10. The Pirates next home match is Tuesday Sept. 13 against Rio Hondo.