Defensive struggle results in 2-2 draw

A last minute game-tying goal by the women’s soccer team, helped prevent a loss for Contra Costa College, as the squad tied match with Lassen College at home on Friday 2-2.

Despite the Cougars (1-3-3) having a 2-1 lead with less than five minutes to play, CCC forward Hazel Centeno managed to score a goal, which ultimately forced the game into a draw.

“I’m so happy that we tied,” Centeno said. “I feel proud of my team.”

The Comets will go on the road to face Feather River College (2-2-3) Thursday at 4 p.m.

Last Thursday’s game was intense from start to finish as both teams fought for control of the ball and the field.

“We have played against better competition, but Lassen is a good team,” Comet coach Nikki Ferguson said. “(This game) was more challenging.”

No goals were made in the first half as goalies from both teams prevented the ball from passing them.

Comet goalie Jasmine Escobar said she did everything she could to keep Lassen from scoring.

“I wasn’t scared of going for the ball. I just went for it,” Escobar said. “I didn’t care if I got hurt. I knew that I would have to (sacrifice myself) for the team.”

Unfortunately for Escobar, she was not able to stop every attempted shot by the Cougars as they managed to score their first goal 65 minutes into the game.

CCC answered less than 10 minutes later with a goal of its own at 74 minutes of the game when Centeno scored a goal assisted by defender Rosalina Medina.

Escobar said the second goal by the Cougars, six minutes later, nearly ended the game for CCC.

“After they scored the second goal I thought (the game would be over),” Escobar said.

Centeno, however, was able to score her second, and what would be the tying goal with one minute remaining in the game.

“I liked the work and energy we showed in the game,” Ferguson said.

Barboza-Mariscal agreed.

“We played a really intense game. This is the best we played,” she said.

Ferguson said that the game was physical, but it was good to see the team step up.

Due to the game’s physicality, Barboza-Mariscal and Comet midfielder Deanna Guzman were taken out in the middle of the first half due to  ankle injuries.

Ferguson said that he is focused on getting them healthy.