Corsairs are Aiming for the Playoffs
By Ryan Cliver
Corsair Staff Writer

The Corsair women’s soccer team faced off against the Santa Barbara City College Vaqueros in the fog last Tuesday.

The Vaqueros had a size advantage over the Corsairs and were undoubtedly favored to win the game, which they did. However, their 8-1 victory over Santa Monica College did not come easy.

The SMC defense was hoping for a tie late in the second half, but was unsuccessful. The only goal came with one minute left in the game when Santa Barbara freshmen, Tessa Binkley, was able to knock one in.

Jason Kirkwood, SMC’s Head Coach, called the goal “a fluke.”Although the rough and tough game resulted in a heart breaking loss for the Corsairs Coach Kirkwood only had positive things to say of his developing team.

“I am very happy with the way they played today. We had a few good chances to win this. The team played very organized and they have played much better than they deserve. I wish the girls would get the results they deserve,” said Kirkwood.

SMC’s goalkeeper Bridgette Vargas and Captain Tricia Green led the Corsair solid defense.Vargas finished the game with 17 saves.

The Vaqueros created an unstoppable pressure at both ends of the field throughout the second half, only allowing the Corsairs one shot for a goal.

The daunting home loss made the teams record 1-7-1 in interdivisional competition. In spite of this, SMC’s division record is 0-0. Tuesday’s game marked the end of the “friendly games.”

“Now they are division games,” said freshman midfielder Luz Gutierrez. “Our record starts over today,” she added.

Evelyn Figueroa courageously played with a painful shin injury that she received in the away game against Cuesta College. Figueroa started the match but was back to the trainer’s table when a Santa Barbara played tripped her up. Figueroa returned to the game in the second half.

“With injuries, we took it to them,” said SMC assistant coach Lloyd Kinnear. “Figueroa played very well today, she sucked it up and played,” he added.

Santa Barbara Coach Brent Gonsalvez said, “SMC put up a good defense. They were very tough for us.”
The team kicked off their divisional play on Friday against Citrus College with only one thing on their mind, to win.

The Corsair’s wanted a victory to open up the divisional games with a 1-0 record, but were outplayed in the 2-0 loss.

“The girls had a bad day at the office. Their shots were off target and their passes were not connecting,” said Kinnear.

“This was a game we had a real chance to win,” said Kirkwood. “Kalin Bellows played one of her best games of the season,”he said.

The Corsair’s only win this season came in interdivisional play on Aug. 30 at home against the Los Angeles City College Cubs. Winning another game this season might be what this team needs to gain some momentum to carry them into the playoffs.