Golden West moves into state championship after turning back defending titlist Folsom Lake in PKs

Tournament Central

Box Score

MISSION VIEJO - The 3C2A Women's Soccer Championship tournament started with a stunning finish as Golden West College took down two-time defending state champion Folsom Lake College (4-2) in penalty kicks after a scoreless finish through 120 minutes of play at Saddleback College. Golden West will face the winner of Santiago Canyon College and Sierra College on Sunday at 10 a.m. in the 3C2A State Championship Game.

Golden West entered as heavy underdogs on paper as Folsom Lake carried an undefeated record into the state tournament while winning the last two state championships. Golden West, on the other hand, was a fifth-place finisher in the Orange Empire Conference during the regular season and had never appeared in a state tournament.

Golden West served notice early in the opening half that the press clippings meant nothing. The Rustlers and Folsom Lake played dead even through the first 45 minutes as neither team was able to generate a ton of offense. Golden West led 3-2 in total shots, but the scoring opportunities were minimal.

Folsom Lake found some rhythm in the second 45 minutes, outshooting Golden West 11-3 in the second half. The Falcons had a handful of scoring opportunities but still couldn't get a ball past Golden West goalkeeper Mia Cook, sending the game into overtime.

Both teams played close to the vest in the opening overtime period, finishing with one shot apiece. The second overtime had a different feeling as both teams started taking chances and creating scoring chances. The best opportunity came from Golden West sophomore Kaylee Gomez, who headed a ball off the crossbar in the 118th minute. The two teams settled for a scoreless tie through 120 minutes, sending the game into penalty kicks.

Folsom Lake took the first penalty kick and Sofia Roberts hit a laser beam into the right side of the net for a 1-0 advantage. Golden West answered when Kierstan Mahan beat Folsom Lake keeper Lola Ballard to the right to tie the score at 1-1.

Folsom Lake then chose Alivia Ivey to take the second penalty shot and Ivey sent a ball right of the goal to give Golden West a potential advantage. The Rustlers took full advantage when Jada Overton beat Ballard to the lower left corner to give Golden West a 2-1 advantage.

Madi Stroh connected for Folsom Lake and Giana Ortenzo did the same for Golden West, giving Golden West a 3-2 lead through three rounds of penalty kicks. Folsom Lake then chose Libby Portello to take the fourth kick, and Golden West goalkeeper Mia Cook came up roses with a stop to give the Rustlers a chance to seal the game with their next kick. Golden West chose Amelia Villegas to take the fourth penalty kick, and Villegas beat

Ballard to the right side of the goal, prompting the Rustler bench to empty onto the field in celebration.

Golden West is now 15-4-7 following the win in penalty kicks. The Rustlers have now beaten two straight No. 1 seeds to get to the state finals, defeating top-seeded Saddleback College (1-0) in the Southern California Regional Finals and Folsom Lake in the state semifinals. Folsom Lake finishes the season at 22-0-3.

(Brad Hoiseth, CCCSIA)