Irvine Valley's women's soccer team opened Orange Empire Conference play with a frustrating 1-0 loss at Golden West on Tuesday afternoon.
It was IVC's second one-goal defeat of the year.
"I thought we played them pretty even," Irvine Valley coach Joe Supe said. "It was a close game throughout. The goal we gave up at the end was a tough one, but I thought our players fought hard all game."
Golden West (4-2-1, 1-0) put up 11 shots on the afternoon and kept the pressure on the Irvine Valley's (3-4-2, 0-1) defense.
Chrystine Tapia netted the lone goal for the Rustlers in the 78th minute on a crossing pass from Jackie Rodriguez that got past Irvine Valley sophomore goalie Heather Miller.
Miller made nine saves on the day for IVC.
Irvine Valley is home on Friday, hosting Fullerton in a conference match at 3 p.m.