Squad deflates Cañada College

It only took one goal in the first minute of play by Comet forward Hazel Centeno to ignite a fire for the women’s soccer team that would last for the rest of the contest. Contra Costa College was able to shut out Cañada College 8-0 on Thursday at home, giving the squad its first victory of the season.

“(This game) shows that we’re capable of playing good soccer,” coach Nikki Ferguson said. “All we need to do is duplicate it.” CCC will be hosting Lassen College on Friday at 2 p.m.

Coming off two losses against Shasta College and Mission College, the Comets (1-2) were looking to redeem themselves against the Colts (0-2).

The 8-0 win was the first shutout win the Comets have had since 2006.

“It felt good to be on the other side of a shutout win,” said Ferguson. “It shows that we’re heading in the right direction.”

Once the whistle was blown and the game began the Comet offense monopolized the field as it took control of the ball keeping it on their side of the field for majority of the game.

The Colts’ offense struggled against CCC’s defenders as they tried desperately to take the ball down field, however, the stingy Comet defense forced several takeaways.

Cañada having no substitutes played a key role in its lax offense and defense, as many of its players looked fatigued.

Ferguson said the lack of additional players for Cañada definitely played a part.

He said he understood how it felt to be in that position of not having a large team.

“We could’ve dropped down to (Cañada’s) level of play but we didn’t,” Ferguson said,
CCC was able to take advantage of the Colts’ mishaps when Comet midfielder Laura Hurtado scored two goals in the first half.

Comet midfielder Carla Perez also added three goals of her own, one coming in the second half of play.

“It was just about going out and playing consistent soccer,” Ferguson said.

Despite the huge win, the players agreed that there is still work to be done for the 2012 season.

“The win gave us confidence and showed that we can work well as a team,” Hurtado said. “Communication, however, was still an issue.”

Ferguson said that the Comets’ biggest issue, however, was their inability to finish scoring opportunities around the goal.

“We’ve struggled in the last 30 minutes of the first half this season,” Ferguson said. “Finally we’ve been able to play with the same level of intensity for a full 90 minute game.”

Ferguson, however, said that he was still pleased with how his team fared against Cañada and looks forward to the rest of the season.

“I’m excited about our team,” He said. “We’ll have a great season.”