Two early goals set the tone for The Santa Monica College Corsairs Friday as they cruised to a dominant 5-0 victory over the Valley College Monarchs, whose attempts to mount a comeback were spoiled at every turn.
Santa Monica dominated from the opening whistle, using stellar ball movement and a fast-paced offense to score four goals in the opening half. On the other end, Valley struggled to find their rhythm, falling flat against a stingy defense. This loss highlights significant challenges for the Monarchs as they prepare for the second half of the season. After Friday’s contest, the Monarchs sit in last place in conference with a 0-5-1 mark in conference play.
“Their middle brought it,” said Valley forward Taylor Fuller. “It was mostly their midfield and wingers that were connecting.”
The Corsairs, who stood at 8-3 coming into the game, brought offensive pressure early and often, keeping the Monarch defense on their heels. Santa Monica’s quick-pace offense notched them 19 shots in the opening half to Valley’s three. After keeping the pressure on, the Corsairs would open up the scoring 20 minutes into the game when forward Erika Bautista capitalized on a corner kick, finding the back of the net.
Six minutes later, Valley’s Desiree Monge fouled Santa Monica forward Victoria Castro inside the penalty box. Castro converted the shot, sneaking the ball past Valley keeper Nina Diaz making the score 2-0.
Castro converted the second of her three goals in the 38 minute off a free kick, bending the ball into the top right corner of the goal from about 30 yards out making the score 3-0.
Two minutes later, Santa Monica was awarded its fifth corner kick of the game. Keeper Nina Diaz was able to fend off the first shot attempt by the Corsairs, deflecting the ball back into play. However, the ball ricocheted right to Castro who struck the ball into the goal making the score 4-0 in the 40 minute. This goal was scoring her third of the game, earning her a hat trick.
“A lot of it was fluid,” Castro said when asked about her success. “I was able to see the field because my teammates were always there for me.”
Two minutes into the half, the Corsairs were awarded another corner kick. The kick was taken by defender Ariana Maldonado who curved the ball into play just past the near goal post. The ball hit off a Monarchs leg and bounced into the goal making the score 5-0.
With a big lead, Santa Monica kept the offensive pressure up taking 10 more shots, continuing to dominate time of possession. The Corsairs emerged victorious, improving their record to 9-3 overall and 4-1 in conference play.
“Tough one for us today; not much went our way,” said Valley’s head coach Jonathan Horst. “We keep looking for answers.”
The loss represents the third-straight loss for the Monarchs as the team heads to College of the Canyons Tuesday for a 4 p.m. contest.
