COD Women’s Soccer shocks #10 Pasadena City, 1–0

Roadrunners earn first-ever win over Lancers behind gritty defense and clutch second-half goal.

The College of the Desert Women's Soccer team (4–4–2) wrapped up their non-conference schedule in stunning fashion, pulling off one of the biggest upsets in program history. The Roadrunners went on the road and defeated the #10-ranked Pasadena City College Lancers (6–4) for the first time ever, 1–0.

The two programs first met in 2012, with all three prior contests taking place in Pasadena, and all resulting in Lancer victories. But this time, it was Desert's turn to make history.

After a scoreless first half, freshman forward Ariana Fuentes (Desert Hot Springs H.S.) broke through in the 56th minute, burying her third goal of the season on a rebound off the Lancers keeper to give the Roadrunners a 1–0 lead.

From there, the COD defense went into lockdown mode. Sophomore goalkeeper Ana Rojas (Indio Shadow Hills) recorded her fifth clean sheet of the season, while freshman midfielder Aida Sanchez-Gonzalez (Thermal Coachella Valley) notched a season-high three shots on goal to help keep Desert on the front foot.

Head Coach Manuel Hurtado praised his team's composure and resilience under pressure: "Pasadena came at us hard after that goal, wave after wave. But our players stayed disciplined, trusted each other, and played with heart. I'm so proud of how they handled themselves against a state ranked opponent. This is the kind of win that shows what Roadrunners Soccer is becoming."

Freshman defender Jazmin Camarena Lopez (Cathedral City H.S.) credited the team's communication and trust on the back line for keeping the Lancers off the board: "After we scored, we knew Pasadena would push everything forward. They're fast and aggressive, but we kept talking and staying organized. Everyone worked for each other, it felt like we were one unit the whole second half."

The victory sends the Roadrunners into conference play with momentum and confidence. COD opens Inland Empire Athletic Conference action on the road at Norco College on October 3, before returning home on Friday, October 10 at 6 p.m. to host the Chaffey Panthers of Rancho Cucamonga at Shadow Hills High School in Indio.

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For additional information, please contact the COD Sports Information Office at 760.423.6641.

Information & Story provided by COD Sports Information. Photo by Darbie Catalfamo Photography.