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By Javier Cabrera / Sports Editor
Taking a break from the playoffs (Javier Cabrera / Sports Editor)
By Javier Cabrera / Sports Editor
The Riverside City College women’s soccer team had a successful season, as they made the playoffs for the second time in the team’s history.
Riverside qualified to play in the post-season after finishing 11-4-6, ranking them No. 17 statewide and No. 4 in the Orange Empire Conference.
Ranked No. 10 in the southern region, Riverside had a first round playoff match with No. 7 from the region, Santa Monica College.
RCC should have had a great feeling heading into the game, because in the past five years the No. 10 seed had beaten the No. 7 seed three times.
The last time this happen was in 2006, No. 10 Moorpark defeated No. 7 Long Beach, 2-1.
Also the last time Santa Monica was No. 7 in 2005, No. 10 seed Mt. San Antonio defeated them, 3-2.
Unfortunately these statistics did not continue for Riverside, because Santa Monica defeated RCC, 2-0, on Nov. 21.
Playing in a chilly clear night in Santa Monica, the RCC women’s soccer team made sure to work on agility, ball control and shooting in their pregame workouts.
RCC took these steps loosen up the muscles and prevent any serious injuries that can occur in cold like temperatures.
On the road trip to Santa Monica, Riverside was joined by a handful of supporters as they cheered on the team throughout the game.
Riverside fell behind quickly after Santa Monica kicked in a ball that was fumbled by goalkeeper, Christina Beckerle, in the first six minutes.
Beckerle was not discouraged giving up a misplayed ball, because later in the first half she was heard screaming, “Act like you want it,” to her teammates.
RCC was unsuccessful in putting the ball anywhere near the Santa Monica goal box for the majority of the first half.
They did get an opportunity to shoot at the goal when they received a corner kick, but other than a couple of shots at Santa Monica’s goal, Santa Monica won the first half and took a 1-0 lead into halftime.
The second half was better for Riverside in offense, because the team had a lot more opportunities to score.
Opportunities are one thing and finishing them is another thing, but RCC was unable to get any straight shot towards the goal.
Riverside either rushed open shots or they were unable to beat the opponent to the ball.
The team looked like it had no confidence since the whistle blew to start the game.
Along with displeased from the Riverside supporters and satisfied Santa Monica supporters in the stands, Santa Monica had no sweat controlling the game throughout.
RCC’s Midfielder Taylor Kincherlow did what she could to monivate her teammates, as she yelled in plea to her teammates to “Not give up, we are still in this game.”
In fustration of not having calls go her way, Kincherlow recieved a yellow card for a foul against a Santa Monica player.
Many supporters for Santa Monica booed Kincherlow, but cheered once they yellow card was pulled out from the referee.
It was one of many plays that shook RCC off their concentration.
The game was in the books after Santa Monica scored their second goal of the game to win, 2-0.
Riverside’s confidence sanked once they went down 2-0, but the team did not give up because it continued to challenge every ball up to the end of the game.
The California Community College Soccer men’s and women’s state finals will be held at Cosumnes River College in Sacramento, CA between Dec. 4-6.
The final four in the men’s bracket includes Taft College and Fresno City College from the North and Santa Ana College and Mt. San Antonio College from the South.
The final four in the women’s bracket includes American River College and Cosumnes River College from the North and Santiago Canyon College and Ventura College from the South.
