Alix Tirado scored her fourth goal of the season and Anahi Andrade netted her first career score in orange and black as the Pirate soccer team won its finale of the New Balance Community College Showcase 2-0 over West Valley College Saturday at the Sportsplex. Kambria Haughton had eight saves in goal in posting VC's second consecutive shutout.
Pirate chances were few and far between in the opening 45 minutes. Justice Jones had a shot sail high in the 13th minute, and Jones and Tirado traded crosses eight minutes later. VC broke through in the 25th minute when Senna Togneri sent a through ball down the left side that was corralled by Tirado, who sliced to the middle before slotting a shot inside the near post for a 1-0 Ventura advantage.
West Valley seemed to control most of the play for the remainder of the half, but the VC defense led by Haughton, Sasha Franco, and Desiree Tanner turned back every Viking opportunity. WVC ended the half with seven shots, six on goal, but the Pirates led 1-0 at intermission.
For the third straight game lightening struck for Ventura (3-0-0) as they were able to net another early second half goal. Saturday it was Andrade's turn as she punched a left-footed free kick from 25 yards out high and inside the far post for a 2-0 Pirate lead.
The defense handled things from there, turning back every Viking attack to preserve the 2-0 shutout victory.
Ventura had seven shots total in the game with five on frame while West Valley ended with nine shots, eight on goal.
VC next travels to the Bay Area for games at Evergreen Valley and Hartnell on Thursday and Saturday Sept. 9 and 11, respectively. the Pirates return home on Friday Sept. 17 against Santa Monica.