Women's soccer team battles back for tie with El Camino

Courtesy of On My Game Photography
Courtesy of On My Game Photography

Irvine Valley's women's soccer team bounced back from a defeat in its 2016 opener on Friday with a 1-1 tie against El Camino on Saturday.

El Camino got on the board first when Kalyn Kaemerle scored in the third minute on a volley off an assist on a cross from the right side by Kathryn Wilson.

But Irvine Valley's defense, led by sophomore Evelyn Lucatero and freshman Yvette Belman, did a nice job of handling El Camino for much of the rest of the match.

Irvine Valley tied the score in the 19th minute when freshman forward Emily Rodriguez took advantage of a bad pass by the El Camino defense and then beat El Camino keeper Oliva Hover with a shot.

The Lasers had the rest of their best opportunities on offense in the second half.

Sophomore midfielder Danielle Lefebvre hit the post with a shot in the 52nd minute.

Sophomore forward Alexandra Benedict recorded two straight shots, Rodriguez's left-footed shot was saved by the El Camino keeper in the 70th minute and then a shot by sophomore midfielder Vanessa Gonzalez was saved with a dive in the 74th minute.

A shot off a free kick by sophomore midfielder Peyton Purcell was saved in the 79th minute and an attempt by freshman midfielder Karina Casiano sailed just wide in the 83rd minute.

Irvine Valley out-shot El Camino, 10-3, in the second half.

"We've played really well in both second halves," Irvine Valley fifth-year coach Joe Supe said. "It is just a matter of putting a few more things together. We've had plenty of chances."

Irvine Valley sophomore keeper Yesenia Pulido finished with three saves for Irvine Valley.

The Lasers play again next Tuesday at Moorpark at 3 p.m.