As so many epic soccer matches do, the Lady Jaguars’ playoff match against Chaffey College was down to penalty kicks.
What 120 minutes of aggressive, passionate play could not resolve, three minutes of high-pressure placements finally settled. Southwestern College came out on the short end to the kick.
SWC’s magical season ended 3-2 on PKs on the pitch at Rancho Cucamonga. Like love, however, magic can live on even after the end.
Chaffey came out aggressive and the first half of the match went back and forth. Both teams had scoring opportunities in front of the goal, but could not close. In the 25th minute, a rare error by the Jaguars’ defense allowed a penalty kick. Chaffey forward Melanie Martinez converted the penalty and the Panthers took a 1-0 lead.
The second half had the same intensity and the Lady Jaguars were running out of time. With just 8 minutes left freshman forward Damaris Aguila was dragged down in the goal area. Sophomore midfielder Bianca Mora drilled the penalty kick to equalize the score at 1-1.
“It was an incredible feeling,” said Mora. “We were fighting so hard to tie the game. I was so happy because we were able to get back to competing for the win.”
After two scoreless 15-minute overtime periods, the spent teams lined up for five penalty kicks each. Soto said it was a fitting conclusion to an epic match.
“All the players were exhausted,” Soto said. “It was just whoever wanted it more. They pushed and we fought for the ball. We could not get it in, they could not get in.”
Five Jaguars stepped up to take the decisive penalty kicks. Chaffey scored three times, but the Jaguars could only muster two. Chaffey won by the very closest of margins. Soto was philosophical about the heartbreaking loss.
“With penalty kicks it is always 50/50 and even the best player misses,” said Soto.
It was the end of the season for the Lady Jaguars, but more rewards were to come. Mora, Camacho, Aguila, sophomore defender Leticia Urenda and freshman forward Mitzy Ortega were named to the All-PCAC first team. Aguila was also selected PCAC Offensive Player of the Year after finishing her freshman season first in the conference with 22 goals. Mora was a finalist for Player of the Year.
“It was an amazing season,” said Mora. “I am glad I was a part of with such a special group of girls.”
Universities have shown interest in members of the soccer team, Soto said, a new development.
“Right now I am replying to coaches,” she said. “A lot of them are looking at our players to give them scholarships to move on to the next level.”
Athletic Director Jim Spillers said he is proud of the program’s accomplishments.
“Their performance was nothing short of tremendous,” he said. “It was a magical year that will be remembered for a very long time.”
