The Bakersfield College women’s soccer team was defeated 1-0 by Moorpark College’s Lady Raiders on Sept. 18.
The Renegades began the season with two losses against Fresno City and Las Positas, but later defeated Solano and West Hills.
According to BC soccer coach Scott Dameron, the team learned to fix mistakes they made in the first two games, and their chemistry is improving.
“We’ve been getting better at our possession. We are still playing in a system that a lot of the players are still learning, but everybody is starting to learn what their job is a little better.”
The game played at Moorpark was the fifth consecutive game on the road for BC women’s soccer team.
“It’s tough opening up the season with the first five games on the road,” said Dameron, who also considered that being on the road, “builds a certain amount of toughness.”
Dameron analyzed Moorpark’s playing style and recognized the difficulty of playing a team with a strong defense.
“Moorpark is always a very physical squad. They are regularly one the most solid defenses. They don’t give up a lot of goals,” Dameron said before the game.
The coach’s words translated into the game played at Moorpark. The Renegades had a hard time gaining control of the ball in midfield, and based their offensive on counter-attacks that never caused much trouble for the Lady Raiders’ defense.
Moorpark had the best chances with long-distance shots, and their insistence was rewarded with a goal on the 18th minute of the first half when Lindsey McClellan shot from outside the penalty area putting Moorpark ahead.
For the second half, things didn’t improve much for the Renegades. The constant attacks of the Lady Raiders forced the game to be played most of the time on the Renegades’ own field.
BC’s only close approach to goal occurred on the 24th minute when Terryn Soelberg had the chance to score after a fast counter-attack, but her shot was deviated by Lady Raiders’ legs.
Moorpark dominated the rest of the game. The Renegades conceded many free kicks and corner-kicks, but Moorpark failed to reflect that on the score.
The final score of 1-0 prevailed thanks to an outstanding performance from BC’s goalkeeper Taryn Wilson, the best player for the Renegades. Wilson had two big saves, including one during stoppage time just before the final whistle.
With the defeat, BC women’s soccer team puts its record at 2-3-0.
The Renegades hosted Ventura College Sept. 22 in the first of three consecutive home games. BC will face Glendale Sept. 29 and Santa Monica Oct. 2.