Women's soccer team edged at Cypress by a goal

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

Irvine Valley's women's soccer team suffered another close defeat on Friday at Cypress.

The Lasers fell, 1-0, to the Chargers in an Orange Empire Conference match.

It was the team's third loss by one goal in the last four games.

Cypress improved its record to 8-6-4 overall and 6-4-3 in conference, while Irvine Valley's record slipped to 3-8-6 overall and 1-7-5 in conference.

Play was even through the first half.

The Chargers netted the winning goal early in the second half.

A cross from Nicolle Valdez found the head of Anysa Mugica and she put it home for her first goal of the season in the 55th minute.

Irvine Valley pressured in the final 20 minutes, testing Cypress keeper Tabatha Macedo on several occasions.

She finished with a career-high eight saves for the Chargers.

Sophomore forward Emily Rodriguez led Irvine Valley with four shots in the contest. And midfielder Giselle Garcia had three shots for IVC.

IVC out-shot Cypress, 13-9, in the contest.

Irvine Valley freshman goalie Bryana Esparza made three saves in goal.

The Lasers have three matches left in the regular season. They have a bye from action on Tuesday and play at Norco on Friday at 3 p.m.

Next week, the Lasers close the regular season against Saddleback at 1 p.m. at the OC Great Park Stadium and then host Santiago Canyon on Friday at 3 p.m.