Salazar scores late as women's soccer team pulls out victory

Salazar scores late as women's soccer team pulls out victory

Irvine Valley's women's soccer team earned its second win in a row on the young season Friday afternoon at home.

But the victory didn't happen until the 89th minute.

Sophomore forward Tiana Salazar sent a high, left-footed shot from 25 yards out that beat the keeper, hit the crossbar and bounced across the goal line to send IVC to a 2-1 win over LA Harbor in a nonconference match.

The triumph continue to make Irvine Valley unbeaten on the season.

The Lasers improved their record to 2-0-1 on the year.

LA Harbor suffered its first loss, falling to 0-1-2 overall.

Irvine Valley controlled possession for much of the contest, but was in a battle all afternoon with the Seahawks.

The Lasers got on the board in the in the 26th minute when Salazar sent a ball through to streaking freshman midfielder Christina Anderson. She was able to take the goalie on and slide the ball into an open net for a 1-0 IVC lead.

Irvine Valley out-shot LA Harbor, 5-2, in the first half and had good chances by Salazar and sophomore defender Celina Chang, but had to settle for the 1-0 advantage at the break.

LA Harbor didn't quit and tied the score in the 56th minute. IVC gave the ball away in the defensive end and the Seahawks took advantage. Andrea Jasmine rifled a shot past IVC freshman goalie Herminia Verduzco to knot the score at 1-1.

It looked like that is the way the game would end up until Salazar connected with just a minute left in regulation.

She took a pass from sophomore defender Emely Portillo and hit the high, hard shot for the game-winner.

Irvine Valley will try to keep it going next week when it hosts two more home matches.

The Lasers play host to Mt. San Jacinto on Tuesday at 3 p.m. and then Pasadena City on Friday at 3 p.m.