Vaqs Suffer First Loss in 2 Months, Ousted From Playoffs
ORANGE, Calif. – Natalie Gonzalez made 6 saves, but it was a penalty kick in the 61st minute that made the difference, as No. 2 Santiago Canyon bested No. 7 Santa Barbara City College in the third round of the 3C2A So Cal Regional championship.
Santiago Canyon challenged the Vaqs up and down the pitch, collecting three yellow cards and holding SBCC to just two shots on goal.
Santa Barbara was outshot 13-8, and Santiago Canyon was awarded 9 corner kicks compared to just two for the Vaqs.
The Vaqueros should hold their heads high, having not suffered a defeat since a 1-0 loss to Canyons on Sept. 23, highlighting a tremendous run through conference play that demonstrated the team's ability and camaraderie.
On Saturday, SBCC pulled off a thrilling win on penalties over Mira Costa to advance to the third round.
At 2.43 goals per game, this squad had the best offensive average for any Vaquero team since 2018.
Allowing just .84 goals per game, it was the best defensive team statistically since 2022.
Santiago Canyon will face Long Beach City on Saturday.