Irvine Valley's women's soccer team put another solid performance together, beating Pasadena City, 3-1, in its final tune-up before the start of Orange Empire Conference play next week.
The Lasers scored two goals late to pick up the win and stay unbeaten on the season. IVC improved its record to 3-0-2 overall. Pasadena City, which was looking for its first win, fell to 0-3-2 on the year.
Irvine Valley opens conference play next week with a tough one, hosting defending conference champion and state runner-up Santiago Canyon on Tuesday at 3 p.m.
On Friday, Irvine Valley jumped out to an early lead over Pasadena City.
The Lasers scored in the 10th minute off of a nifty play by freshman midfielder Berenice Pacheco. She took a cross from freshman midfielder Christina Anderson, settled the ball in the box, turned and then blasted a shot by Pasadena City keeper Ashley Hermosillo for the 1-0 lead. It was Pacheco's first goal as a Laser.
Pasadena City didn't have many opportunities in the first half. It nearly scored on its best chance. A free kick from the left side by Rachel Schroeder had to be knocked away by IVC goalie Herminia Verduzco.
Irvine Valley led, 1-0, at halftime.
Anderson had a nice chance for the Lasers early in the second half, but her high shot was saved by Pasadena City's keeper.
Pasadena City made it a game in the 66th minute after Erika Miranda was taken down in the box.
Schroeder stepped to the spot and converted the penalty kick down the middle for a 1-1 tie.
But Irvine Valley answered back soon after.
In the 77th minute, Anderson got behind the Pasadena City defense after taking a pass from freshman forward Brittany Jenkins. She made a move and then chipped the ball over Pasadena City substitute goalie Angelique Ulmer and into the net to give Irvine Valley the lead.
IVC made it a 3-1 game five minutes later. Freshman forward Tiana Salazar was taken down just inside the box. Her penalty kick bounced off the left post and went in to put Irvine Valley up two goals and wrap the scoring.
Verduzco ended up having to make just one save in goal for IVC. Sophomores Emely Portillo and Celina Chang and freshmen Virginia Hickman and Marissa Perez controlled the defensive end for IVC.
In five games so far, Irvine Valley's defense has allowed only three goals.
